Engaging Youth in a Meaningful Way
Hayward, CA Police Department
The Hayward, CA Police Department’s innovative approach to juvenile justice is ground breaking AND we’ve been doing it for 40 years. By integrating mental health counsellors within a police department setting, we are able to identify the root causes underlying youth criminal behavior and provide services and opportunities that actually address the reasons for the behavior, not just punish the consequences. Our robust program includes 9 mental health therapists with masters or doctoral level degrees who work side by side with 8 School Resource Officers providing service to all Hayward schools, including the elementary schools. This innovative approach to policing is consistent with best practices and the known research on what works for addressing juvenile crime and achieving the best outcomes in the long run for the involved youth and their families.