In 1996, the Regional Youth Criminal Justice Education Program started on four campuses, the first program of its kind, as a means to address the region’s juvenile delinquency concerns.  Today, with funding through the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Grant from the Office of the Governor, the program is offered in 16 high schools throughout the region and provides youth and law enforcement a unique opportunity to work together in a positive, constructive environment.  In addition to providing a quality, standard-based Criminal Justice elective to area high school students, the Program also offers youth related safety trainings for regional law enforcement, juvenile justice professionals and school personnel. 

While providing regional youth an elective offering a multi-faceted look into the American Criminal Justice System, through education and training, the program is intended to help prevent crime and violence, deter students from underage drinking and substance abuse, boost confidence and self-esteem, and encourage greater community involvement and school participation.

In 2004, the program also implemented the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Systems training.  R.A.D. is a 12-hour class designed to increase women’s awareness to their surroundings, as well as teach basic self-defense techniques.  R.A.D. Instructors have also collaborated with Regional Youth to provide safety education for the Martinez Street Women's Center After School Program.

In 2008, it is the vision of Regional Youth to expand its services by collaborating with other agencies for the common goal of providing more prevention education; and to provide more awareness of the imperative issues of mental health and childhood obesity.   In efforts to make this vision a reality, Regional Youth is collaborating with the Children’s Crisis Intervention Training (CCIT) Committee and the Youth Obesity Prevention Partners Council (YOPPC); as well as participation in the following trainings:  Crimes Against Children Conference; Juvenile Justice Association of Texas Conference; Attachment Disorders Seminar; Reactive Attachment Disorder Seminar; PCAT Conference (2007 & 2008); Therapeutic Issues: Working With Schizophrenia and Related Disorders.

For more information contact:

Michelle Doyle, AACOG Criminal Justice Specialist - Regional Youth
8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: (210) 362-5262
Fax: (210) 824-5881
E-Mail: mdoyle@aacog.com