What is the Girls Gaining Independence and Reclaiming Lives Successfully (G.I.R.L.S.) Program?
The G.I.R.L.S. Program was developed to work with girls who have violated the law and have substance abuse issues along with a mental health component. The program is broken into 3 phases:
- Phase I - the girl is ordered into custody where she will receive services such as drug and alcohol counseling, mental health intervention and possibly trauma therapy. The family is involved in multi-family groups twice a month. There is a process of integrating the girls back into the community as they are released on community passes and home passes that increase in duration from 4 to 48 hours.
- Phase 2 - the girl is released from custody. She has to keep up with her school obligations and continue with individual and family therapy every week..
- Phase 3 - the girl prepares to complete probation and continues with counseling at a lesser rate and are attending a school in their district and/are employed or volunteering.
Progress throughout the program is monitored on a regular basis by the assigned Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) with unannounced home/school visits and drug testing. Court dates are also scheduled to report progress to the Judge and deal with any violations until the girls formally graduate from The G.I.R.L.S. Program and complete probation successfully.
What is my time commitment as a parent of a girl in the G.I.R.L.S. Program?
The G.I.R.L.S. Program is an intensive program that requires family involvement. The amount of time may vary throughout the program.
You will be required to participate in the Parent Project®, a parenting program. There are multi-family groups to attend on a bi-weekly basis and there is a court date once a month.
The more involved the parents are in this program, the more successful their daughters will be.
What is the G.I.R.L.S. Program going to cost me?
There is no cost associated to the parent or participant with the G.I.R.L.S. Program.
What services are provided by the G.I.R.L.S. Program?
The G.I.R.L.S. Program is a collaboration with mental health, alcohol and drug, and rape trauma resources as well as many others. All of these services will be provided to your daughter as needed.
How long will my daughter be in custody for the G.I.R.L.S. Program?
There are a number of factors taken into consideration regarding when a girl will be released. Some of these include the involvement of the family, the girl’s success and progress while in custody, and the availability of a supportive environment once the girl is released.
Can I see my daughter while she is in the program?
Yes, you can see your daughter on visitation days after making an appointment during family therapy as well as family night events. Your daughter will be able to earn community passes that start with a 4-hour structured outing and work up to 48-hour home visits, leading up to release from custody.
Where can I get more information about the G.I.R.L.S. Program?
You will receive a packet of information when your daughter is accepted into the program. You can also visit our Juvenile Services office or call (650) 312-8816.