The Los Angeles County Sherriff Department’s Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives (VIDA) Academy is a non-custody, intensive, 16-consecutive-week, intervention program for youth ages 11 to 17. The VIDA Academy offers treatment, prevention, and disciplinary components to alter negative behavior. VIDA’s success or failure depends directly on the level of commitment and application of the participant and their family. The VIDA Academy requires parents to attend mid-week counseling and parenting sessions which adds to its success.
The VIDA participants and their parent or guardian meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the VIDA participant meets on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Wednesday evening class will facilitate family counseling for the parent or guardian and their child. The Saturday sessions encompass: physical training, close order drill, tutoring, life skills, educational tours, tour of the L.A. County Jail, and community service. VIDA is designed to redirect the participant’s negative behavior into positive and socially acceptable behavior. Choices and consequences are stressed throughout the academy.
Potential students and parents please contact Deputy Wengert to discuss the program: (626) 285-7171, extension 3452. For more information, visit www.VIDA.LA.
