BACKGROUND: Diversion programs are popular options for juvenile offenders. These programs offer juveniles a chance to learn from their mistakes and not have to go to a detention center. In Pinellas County, Fla., the state attorney, his staff, and Kim Goddard from Proper Protocol, Inc., have designed a new program for at-risk teenage girls. The program teaches the offenders proper etiquette with the hopes of increasing their self-esteem and respect for others.
RESTART PROGRAM: Most of the girls in the program are first-time offenders who have committed a misdemeanor crime. For example, they were caught shoplifting or were in a fight. The girls range in age from 10 to 17 years old. Kim says after the first night she does not focus on why they are there or what crime they committed but instead on their new beginning. She says that is why they call the program ReStart. For many of the girls, they are learning proper etiquette skills such as a proper handshake, eye contact, how to eat properly and speak appropriately for the first time. The first week, the girls meet at the courthouse and learn skills they will use in the next five classes. The following weeks Kim takes the girls to restaurants to hone the skills. They start with a breakfast place, then a lunch place, and finally a fancy dinner restaurant for graduation. Often, the girls invite not only their families to the dinner but also the person or business they committed their crime against. Kim says this gives the girls a chance to show how they have changed.
SUCCESS STORIES: The girls in the class eventually have to face a judicial board for their crime. Kim says her past participants have impressed the board with their ability to speak properly, have eye contact and show respect. Renay Randolph took part in the program after she was charged for pushing her mom during a fight. She says when she left her board meeting, she was proud of the way she handled herself and new she could change her ways. Kim says other past participants have gone on to get their GEDs or even go to college. So far, 31 girls have completed the program. Three of those girls have gone on to get their high school diplomas and only one has been re-arrested. Kim shows that teaching manners, respect and civility can go a long way in helping a troubled teenager get on the right path of life.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Kim Goddard
Proper Protocol, Inc.
P.O. Box 26127
Tampa, FL 33622
(727) 517-1967
msgoddard1@aol.com
http://www.properprotocol.com
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