In providing the VIDA program, the Altadena Sheriff's
Station recognize the importance of offering counseling, family action,
community service, physical training, team building, and career guidance
to wayward youth in our community. All this is done in an effort to help
redirect negative behavior of our youth, who may be tempted to explore
gang affiliation, drug use, or crime.
Law enforcement personnel oversee the program and play a major role in
the intervention and overall development of the teens. VIDA helps build
self-esteem, motivate teens toward success, and aids in breaking the
cycle of criminal behavior. For many, successful completion of the
program can result in new beginnings, a new outlook, and potentially the
establishment of a lifetime of positive influences and contacts. The
ultimate goal of the deputies, and others involved, is to work with the
youths toward the common goal of establishing a better and brighter
future, away from negative influences.
The V.I.D.A. academy focuses on several areas, including healthy living,
academic and vocational achievement, truancy reduction, increased
literacy, workforce preparation, improving parental relationships, and
preventing substance abuse. We also perform home and school visits
randomly throughout the week.
"By placing positive influences around our youth, we can help them
realize their self-worth, establish goals and avoid gangs, drugs, crime
and negative influences," said Captain John Benedict. He added,
"We must do our part with our youth, in prevention and intervention,
as they are the future of this great community."
How are teens selected?
Teens are referred from:
• Juvenile Courts
• Probation Department
• School District
• Field or School Resource Deputies
• Parents who are struggling to maintain control of their child's
negative behavior and request they be accepted into the program
Other participants are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
VIDA Components
There are seven basic components to the VIDA program. Each is designed
and structured to identify the negative influences that have resulted in
the teen's referral to the program and to help place the teen on the road
to success.
• Pre-intake
• Intake Night
• Counseling and Family Action
• Community Service
• Physical training
• Life Skills Workshops
• Career Guidance
Components Functions
Pre–Intake: Detailed discussion of parental responsibility; past, present
and future activities of the juvenile; and expectations for successful
completion of the program.
Intake Night: Counselors and deputies discuss the harsh reality of
incarceration with participants and their parents. This session is
informative, emotional, and impactful.
Counseling and Family Action: Ongoing counseling services are provided to
the teen and family members throughout the duration of the program.
Community Service: Teens are required to perform 32 hours of community
service. "Giving back" is an important part of the program.
Physical Training: Teens are required to perform various physical
training tasks, including: sit-ups, push-ups, and light jogging. These
activities build self-discipline and teamwork.
Life Skills Workshops: Life skills classes help teens develop their basic
personal, social, and academic skills, with the goal of helping them
become productive members of society.
Additional Components
Drill: Teens are taught and per from close order marching.
Competitive Games: Teens compete with other VIDA program participants
throughout the county to test their skills in drill, physical training,
and knowledge of VIDA history.
Graduation: A formal ceremony, where all county participants are
recognized for successful completion of the program.
Deputy Dexter Jones is now accepting VIDA Applications at this time. The
interested parent or guardian must attend a formal registration. If you
know kids and parents who you feel would benefit from the VIDA academy we
encourage you to visit our website at
www.vida.la.
We can also be contacted via phone 626-296-2108 or e-mail
ALTADENAVIDA@GMAIL.COM
There is a one-time $75 enrollment fee which covers the cost of the
participant’s uniform, field-trip expenses, and drug testing. We are
located in the Altadena Sheriff station (780 East Altadena Drive,
Altadena, CA 91001) our current VIDA site is at Eliot Middle School 2184
N. Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001.
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