The Young Delinquent Intervention Program is a home-based service to parents of youth 11 years old and younger who have broken the law. The youth and their family are referred to the program by the 17th Circuit Court, Family Division.

The goal of YDIP is to reduce the chances that the youth will commit another crime by learning positive alternatives to offending and an increased respect for others.

YDIP is interested in the long-term success of the youth involved. By providing weekly services to the youth and their families in the home, YDIP can make it easier and less complicated for families to obtain necessary services.

What can I expect from YDIP?

The YDIP staff brings together the family and community resources to improve communication and the child’s compliance with the law. Soon after a child is referred to YDIP, a DA Blodgett staff member will arrange to meet with the youth and their parent(s) to learn more about the family. The information gathered will be used to develop a plan to address the needs of the youth and their family.

These needs could include housing, school performance, behavior issues, peer relationships, discipline concerns, family functioning, financial needs, etc.

What services are available to us?

• Family therapy
• Crisis intervention & counseling
• Parent education
• Therapy group for kids
• Support group for parents
• Tutoring
• Mentoring
• Social recreational activities
• Family gym night
• Financial assistance
• Camp scholarships
• Attendance at all court hearings
• School liaison
• Regular contact with school staff
• Attendance at school conferences

What will YDIP expect from me?

The parent is expected to be supportive and cooperative with YDIP staff. The parent is expected to schedule weekly appointments for family therapy with the staff and make sure the family is present for the appointment. The entire family is expected to participate in mutually agreed upon treatment goals.

How will this help my family?

Research shows that the younger the child is when they break the law, the more likely further delinquency will occur. YDIP is a program designed to identify risk factors and family needs, and work on improving these concerns through social, academic, recreational, therapeutic, and other enrichment activities for your child and family.