Noblesville Youth Assistance Program seeks to correct, prevent problems
The Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program has expanded to Noblesville. Piloted in Westfield in 2009, YAP strives to build a healthy community for tomorrow by extending a helping hand to the youth of today through family assistance, tutoring and mentoring. These programs are available to qualified children needing assistance. YAP was expanded to Noblesville in January and plans are in the works for programs in Fishers and other areas in the state.
“It’s a very exciting program that has taken off like wildfire,” Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Paul Felix said. “Hopefully, we’ll move it around the state because of its value to the children, family and community.”
Felix said Indiana spends $1.7 million a day on the prison system. He said young adults aged 18 to 25 accounted for 32 percent of all felonies filed in 2011. If you removed Class D, the lowest felony charge, that number increases to 39 percent.
“It’s so important to get to our children and families before they come into the judicial system,” he said.
Hamilton County Superior Court 1 Judge Steven Nation was instrumental in starting the program that focuses on preventative services for the city’s youth rather than using disciplinary measures and adjudication.
“It was the interest of the community that brought it to Noblesville. We can’t do it without the commitment of all the components of the community and government,” he said.
Nation said many youth feel they are not part of the American Dream anymore and the program helps students see success in their life.
“They take control of their lives – with work hard you can succeed. They correct themselves now,” he said.
“This program has helped many youth and families in Westfield, and I am excited about the positive impact it is going to have on the lives of kids in Noblesville,” Mayor John Ditslear said. “It helps them appreciate what they can become.”
The goal of NYAP is to help children and families identify, coordinate and take advantage of services or programs in Hamilton County or the surrounding areas. The program is voluntary and children are referred to the program by police, school counselors or other agencies. Early Intervention Advocate Joy Petty said her role is “triage of coordination of services.”
“I spend a couple hours with the family to know them and their needs,” she said, adding each case plan looks really different. “We’re connecting them with the resources Noblesville has … Families don’t know where to go and what Noblesville has. They just don’t know where to start.”
The program assists referred children ages 3- to 17-years old and their families. The youth will be evaluated and placed in programs based on specific needs. Some examples are mentoring, tutoring, camp and recreational opportunities, counseling and anger management classes.
“Even on the worst days, you walk down the hallway and see a child you know. It’s worth it to see their face,” said Petty, who worked 15 years as a high risk probation officer in Hamilton County.
Petty said 1:1 tutoring was piloted at Noblesville West Middle School in February. In October, plans are to expand the tutoring program at Noblesville East Middle School and begin taking referrals from the Noblesville Police Dept.
“We’re seeing success in the schools,” Felix said. “Attendance is better and they are getting better grades. Students are going from F’s to B’s … Their life turns a whole other way.”
Parker, an eighth grade student, began using the tutoring program last school year and is a part of it again this year.
“It’s made a difference for me. I don’t always have a parent at home to help me,” he said.
Before the tutoring program, Parker had poor grades including an F in language arts. At the end of the 2012-2013 school year, Parker made the A/B honor roll.
“It feels better than getting a really low grade like last year,” he said, adding the extra time helps him better understand the materials. “It’s helpful not just for me but other students. When I grow up I think I want to be a tutor as well.”
Frankie Fehsenfeld, a 1999 NHS graduate, has been Parker’s tutor for the past seven months.
“It’s very exciting, very rewarding,” he said. “Showing up and spending time with him, so much more than tutoring happens. We talk about life and decision making … Tutoring is our door into the people’s lives.”
Fehsenfeld, who coordinates the mentoring and tutoring program, said NYAP needs tutors and mentors which require one hour a week for a year.
“The academic load is much harder than we had in school,” he said. “These kids really need help, help to navigate the waters.”
Know more
The Noblesville Youth Assistance Program is a collaboration of Noblesville Schools, city, police department, Boys & Girls Club, Hamilton County courts, Promising Futures, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, prosecutors office, Noblesville Township Trustee’s Office and YoungLife.
Early Intervention Advocate Joy Petty said NYAP is asking for the public to support the program by volunteering in various capacities including tutoring or mentoring students, helping to coordinate and work at events and fundraisers and be behind-the-scenes volunteers. Those interested should contact Petty at 773-3171, ext. 10431 or [email protected]. For more information, visit http://youth-assistance.squarespace.com.