The Alternative to Corrections Through Education Program (ACE) offers an alternative to State Correctional Placements for those youth who meet the established criteria. Of primary importance in assessing prospective juveniles for this program is the safety of the community and the juvenile him/herself. The program targets youth whose delinquent charges meet the standards for a corrections placement; that is, youth who are charged with a crime which, if charged in the adult system, would result in a year or longer incarceration. Youth with a history of violent acts, charges relating to extreme violence against people and weapons violations may be excluded pending review of the current and past criminal history.
A requirement of ACE is that the youth and family must agree to participate in the program and understand that failure to complete the program may result in a dispositional order for corrections and subsequent transfer to a State Juvenile Correctional Facility. In addition, participation in the program is contingent upon the District Attorney agreeing to the juvenile's placement in this program and the Juvenile Court accepting all parties' stipulation to participate. All program activities occur within the Racine County Detention Center where the juvenile resides throughout all phases of the program.
There are three phases of the ACE program:
Orientation lasts approximately 3 - 4 weeks during which time the staff obtain the youth's Individual Educational Plan (IEP), if there is one, determine academic grade level and appropriate course work with credit, complete an alcohol and drug assessment as well as other assessments as appropriate.
- Phase 2: General Education
General Education lasts approximately 3 - 4 weeks. Each individualized plan in this phase will include a minimum of completing 2 academic credits for high school, 8 hours of alcohol and drug abuse education, career exploration, and other appropriate personal growth and management activities which could include the following: anger management, communication, trust issues, decision-making strategies/Cognitive Intervention and self-respect. There are few privileges during this phase. Parental involvement is also required in order to address issues which may hamper the juvenile's successful transition back into the community. Inasmuch as the ACE program is incentive-based, juveniles set their own pace in moving from one phase of the program to the next.
- Phase 3: Community Transition
Community Transition lasts for approximately 8 - 12 weeks. During this, the highest step in the program, more privileges may be earned. These privileges will include day passes, exciting career exploration activities in the community, as well as structured family activities. Minimum requirements to be completed during this final phase include completing 2 high school credits, career exploration and continued personal growth and management activities. It is anticipated that successful completion of the ACE program will result in the attainment of 4 academic credits awarded through Racine Unified School District and a subsequent 6 month community supervision court order.
For more information on the ACE Program, contactGlenn Larson, Delinquency Supervisor.