Mandated Alternative Program

Building a Better Future, cultivating a happier society

Working with our local services and youth criminal justice department, EL Shama seeks to provide a wholistic second chance to our vulnerable youths.

Our youth criminal justice alternative program is individually designed to provide rehabilitative measures as an alternative to traditional incarceration. It emphasizes the development of essential life skills and self-improvement. We believe that this program upon completion will provide the right directional that is needed.

Here are 10 areas of life skills and self-development that is centred around each individual case.

Conflict Resolution:

Teaching effective ways to manage and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Communication Skills:

Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication for better interpersonal relationships.

Decision-Making:

Developing critical thinking skills to make informed and positive choices.

Emotional Regulation:

Providing tools to manage emotions and stress in a healthy manner.

Anger Management:

Offering strategies to control and express anger constructively.

Goal Setting:

Encouraging the setting of achievable short-term and long-term goals.

Problem-Solving:

Fostering the ability to analyze problems and find practical solutions.

Empathy:

Cultivating an understanding and appreciation for others' perspectives.

Resilience:

Building the capacity to bounce back from setbacks and adversity.

Time Management:

Teaching effective time management skills to enhance productivity and responsibility.

These skills collectively contribute to the holistic development of youth and support their successful reintegration into society.

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Youth justice alternative programs are important for several reasons:

Youth justice alternative programs prioritize rehabilitation, community connection, individualized support, and long-term success, making them essential for a more effective and humane approach to juvenile justice.

Rehabilitation Over Punishment: These programs focus on rehabilitating young individuals, addressing the root causes of their behavior rather than solely punishing them. This approach aims to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Community Integration: By offering alternatives to traditional incarceration, these programs help maintain connections between young offenders and their communities. This integration supports social reintegration and reduces the risk of alienation.
Individualized Support: Alternative programs often provide personalized interventions, recognizing that each youth may have unique needs. This tailored approach increases the likelihood of addressing specific issues contributing to delinquency.
Reduced Recidivism: The emphasis on skill development, counseling, and support in alternative programs has been shown to lower recidivism rates compared to punitive measures. This contributes to creating safer communities in the long run.
Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in rehabilitation programs can be more cost-effective than maintaining a large juvenile justice system. It redirects resources toward proactive measures that address the root causes of delinquency.
Educational Opportunities: Many alternative programs incorporate educational components, helping youth continue their academic pursuits. This focus on education can positively impact their future prospects and decrease the likelihood of further criminal involvement.
Restorative Justice Principles: Alternative programs often embrace restorative justice principles, emphasizing accountability, restitution, and repairing harm done to victims and the community. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility in young offenders.
Positive Development: These programs provide opportunities for positive personal and social development. By nurturing life skills, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, they empower youth to make better choices in the future.