LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT AWARDS
DIPLOMAS TO V.I.D.A. PARTICIPANTS

On Saturday, August 5, 2006, at George Lane County Park in Quartz Hill, Captain Jack Jordan awarded diplomas to at-risk teenagers who completed the Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives (V.I.D.A.) Program. In awarding diplomas to nine young men and women, Captain Jordan stated, “I am extremely proud of these young men and women for displaying the dedication it takes to complete this training program.” The V.I.D.A. graduates are from Lancaster and Palmdale Sheriff’s Stations.

The V.I.D.A. program is specifically designed for at-risk youth by utilizing proactive, innovative techniques for positive redirection. Overseen by law enforcement personnel, the program offers treatment, prevention and positive reinforcement to alter negative behavior. The most typical scenario involves referrals to the Sheriff’s Department and requests from parents to have their children admitted to the program. Once admittance has been approved, the minor is directed to the program’s available components, including anger management, family counseling, mentoring, educational assistance, health training and physical fitness, career guidance, tattoo removal, and community services, including graffiti removal and weed and trash abatement.

“It’s about building a strong working partnership among law enforcement, community-based organizations, schools, and families so that these children can have a second chance. It’s about intervention in an effort to break a cycle that has no future,” added Captain Jordan.