Helping hands: CACJ to launch new Youth Counseling Pilot Program in Centre County

Thanks to a generous Centre Foundation Field of Interest Grant, the Center for Alternatives in Community Justice (CACJ), will launch a new Youth Counseling Pilot Program in the fall of 2025.

The mission of the CACJ is to serve Centre County by implementing restorative alternatives to conflict and crime that preserves human dignity, restores, heals and empowers individuals. We provide pretrial supervision, mediation, community conferencing and youth aid panels for Centre County residents. Expanding services to include a preventative, youth-focused counseling program works hand-in-hand with our Youth Aid Panel (YAP) to support and divert first-time youth offenders away from the court system.

YAP allows juvenile first-time offenders to be restored to the community through service, written assignments and mentorship to ensure they can graduate and their criminal record will be wiped clean.

Short-term counseling services will, in most cases, focus on addressing the youth’s current struggles, and on the acquisition of coping skills to increase emotional and behavioral regulation in order to avoid further involvement in the justice system, as well as build resiliency.

CACJ intends to build a partnership with the State College Area School District to assist with diverting truancy cases. This expansion of programming will help youth and their families to avoid the legal, financial and emotional burdens often associated with the court system. Additionally, counseling services can increase the client’s insights into their behavior, potentially reducing the likelihood of involvement with criminal or truancy court in the future.

To support these programs and restorative justice initiatives attend the CACJ’s Pickleball Paddle Palooza Fundraiser on Tuesday, July 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the C3 Sports Complex. Make a difference, and get involved by sponsoring, donating, volunteering and promoting this event. Spectators free and welcome. Players register online to enjoy a fun but brutal mixed doubles elimination! Secure your spot by using the QR Code below for early bird discount.

Come to play, cheer and enjoy a silent auction!