Who participates in YDIP?
Children 11 or younger who have committed a delinquent act and have been referred to us by the Family Division of 17th Circuit Court.

What kinds of services are offered?
D.A. Blodgett social workers, therapists and mentors meet in the home with young offenders and their families. Young offenders learn how to identify the stressors that lead to criminal activity, how to identify positive role models and form healthy friendships. Parents learn how to provide a more nurturing home with loving, consistent discipline.

What is the goal?
By using early intensive intervention to curb impulsive behaviors, children who were headed toward long-term incarceration curtail their criminal activity and redirect their lives.

Does it work?
Yes. In fact, juvenile court statistics show that only 12% of the children treated through YDIP offend again compared with more than 68% who are not treated. When intervention is early and family functioning improves, children can be kept from further delinquent behavior.

Why is this counseling home-based instead of office-based?
Often, certain dynamics within the family need to change in order for the
child to change. With home-based counseling, the entire family participates. Plus, there are fewer time constraints on the length of each meeting. Families get involved faster and stay committed to the process longer.

What are the credentials of the D.A. Blodgett for Children counseling staff?
Therapists are master degree level staff from D.A. Blodgett for Children with training in both mental health and substance abuse treatment.