Welcome to The Choice Program Website

VISION:

Envisioning communities where youth make choices that strengthen their lives, their families and the world.

MISSION:

Strengthening communities through innovative, family-focused strategies that connect youth to opportunities for positive choices.

WHAT IS THE CHOICE PROGRAM?

The Choice Program, a signature program of UMBC and The Shriver Center, is a nationally recognized initiative that serves youth in Maryland’s juvenile justice system. The Choice Program intervention focuses on a community-based, family-centered case management approach to delinquency prevention and youth development.

THE MODEL

Identifies and links the youth and families with social supports

Fosters caring adult relationships

Develops high expectations

Provides meaningful participation

KEYS TO OUR PROGRAM SERVICES

Face-to-face contact 7 days a week

Employment skills development

Family-centered service plan

Linkage & referral to community resources

Informal counseling

Educational support & in-school advocacy

Individual and group workshops

Curfew monitoring

Structured after-school & weekend activities

24-hour crisis intervention

WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES?

FY2008

600 youth and families served
85% of Choice youth did not recidivate during program intervention
80% of Choice youth remained in the community at program completion
19,000 youth and families served since 1989.

WHAT IS THE COST BENEFIT?

$4,500 per Choice youth vs. $40,000 for detention or residential placement.

your Choice

Resources & Information

Quick Links

Welcome to The Choice Program Website

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