11/29/2022
IEA utilizes strength-based approaches, cross-system collaborations and community assets to alter the trajectory of juvenile justice involved youth who are vulnerable to entering the adult criminal justice system.
IEA's holistic approach to programming which includes counseling, mentoring, tutoring and family support has helped break the cycle of violence and criminal activity--reducing the rate of recidivism (repeat offenses) and enabling probation officers to work more effectively with the youth.
From services to youth detained in the MRJJC to its Ben's Kids outreach efforts, IEA empowers juvenile justice involved youth to adopt law-abiding lifestyles by offering alternatives to criminal behavior and increasing access to mental health and personal development opportunities. Every juvenile offender detained in the MRJJC has an opportunity to benefit from programming offered within the institutional component of IEA. Referrals are made by the Jefferson County Juvenile Probation Department to the Ben's Kids outreach component of IEA while youth are detained as well as during pre and post adjudication.