from the Altadena Sheriff's Station
Altadena Sheriff's Station will be starting up another Los Angeles County Sheriff Department V.I.D.A (Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives) academy beginning February 12, 2014. V.I.D.A. is a 16 week intervention program designed for at risk youth between the ages of 11 and 17½.
The V.I.D.A. academy is designed to teach and guide youth to make good decisions. Overseen by law enforcement personnel, 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. Key components of this program are: Intake night (where the program and expectations are laid out to the parents and students), and the Saturday program (8:00AM-4:00PM) which includes physical training, close order drill, life skills classes, field trips and service projects. There are also counseling nights for students and their parents, which are held on Wednesdays 7:00PM-9:00PM.
VIDA works closely with the Probation Department, juvenile courts, various school districts, and a wide range of community-based organizations to increase accountability and provide needed services. The program requires youth to attend 160 hours of various training and educational courses which includes 32 hours of counseling which requires parental participation.
The Altadena VIDA academy is currently enrolling students for the Spring 2014 VIDA academy class. The class will begin on February 12, 2014. There is a one-time $75 enrollment fee which covers the cost of the participant’s uniform, field-trip expenses, and drug testing.
Located at 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.
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 phone626 798-1131 (ext. 2617) or e-mail ALTADENAVIDA@GMAIL.COM
