VIDA - Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives
Established in February 2006 in the City of Santa Clarita, the VIDA Program or Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives, is a 16-week program designed to assist "at-risk" youth between the ages of 12 and 17 by redirecting negative behavior into positive alternatives. In providing the program, the City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station recognize the importance of offering counseling, family action, community service, physical training, team building, and career guidance to wayward youth in our community. All this is done in an effort to help redirect negative behavior of our youth, who may be tempted to 
explore gang affiliation, drug use, or crime.
"By putting positive influences around these youth, we can help them realize their self-worth, establish goals and avoid gangs, drugs, crime and negative influences," said Captain La Berge. He added, "We must do our part with our youth, as they are the future of this great community."
For many, successful completion of the program can result in new beginnings, a new outlook, and potentially the establishment of a lifetime of positive influences and contacts. The ultimate goal of the deputies and others involved is to work with the youths toward the common goal of establishing a better and brighter future, away from negative influences. The City of Santa Clarita provides the funding for the program, including the primary deputy who runs it. Grant money from the Federal Government's Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (GREAT) helps supplement portions of the program by providing funding for additional staff on an as needed basis. Members of the United States Marine Corps, representatives from community based organizations and city officials are also directly involved with the program. They volunteer their assistance and support at various times throughout the 16-week program.
For additional information, or to get involved with "Our Youth - Our Future," contact Deputy Timothy Ferrone of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 510-0881 or fill out the VIDA Interest Application below. There are still spots available for the next VIDA class which is scheduled to begin the first week of February 16th, 2008. The second registration night for this class is scheduled for Thursday, January 24th, 2008, at the Sequoia Charter School - 21445 Centre Pointe Parkway, Canyon Country. The registration event begins at 7:00 p.m. Click here for additional information: VIDA Registration Night.
VIDA Components
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
VITAL INTERVENTION
& DIRECTIONAL
ALTERNATIVES
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station
Contact Deputy Deputy Timothy Ferrone at:
661-510-0881
VIDA
LEROY D. BACA, SHERIFF
COMPONENTS
There are seven basic components to the VIDA program. Each is designed and structured to identify the negative influences that have resulted in an individual’s referral to the program.
The VIDA program is designed to redirect the participant’s negative behavior into positive and socially acceptable behavior. VIDA helps build self-
esteem, motivates toward success, and aids in breaking the cycle of potential criminal behavior.
COMPONENTS FUNCTIONS
Pre – Intake: 
This session involves a detailed discussion of parental responsibility; past, present and future activities of the juvenile; and expectations for successful completion of the program.
Intake Night:
All participants and parents are brought together. Lectures, counselors, and deputies confront the participants and discuss the harsh realty of incarceration. This session is emotional and sensitive.
Counseling and Family Action:
A community-based organization will provide ongoing counseling services to all participants and family members.
Community Service:
Each participant is required to perform 60 hours of community service. Services include: graffiti removal and property and community revitalization.
Physical Training:
Each participant is required to perform various physical training including: sit-ups, push-ups, and light jogging.
Behavior Modification:
This program is designed to “shock” the participant’s conscience and awaken them to the realities of prison life. These sessions are conducted by volunteer ex-cons and facilitated by law enforcement personnel.
Career Guidance:
The “community Assistance Agency” is a community-based organization which will assist all participants through a self-help concept to learn job skills, interviewing techniques, and job placement.
VIDA:
This program is an intensive 16-week youth and family program that has a high success rate. VIDA’S success or failure depends directly on the level of each participant and the participant’s family.
The Program
VIDA is specifically designed to deal with “at-risk” youth and utilize proactive, innovative techniques for positive redirection. Overseen by law enforcement personnel, the program offers treatment, prevention, and disciplinary components to alter negative behavior. Participants are referrals from the Juvenile Courts or from parents who petition the court requesting that their children be admitted to the program. Other participants are accepted on a case by case basis by filling out the VIDA form below or attending one of the registration events, which will be posted on this website as they are scheduled. Some class participants may also be referred by field or School Resource Deputies.
It is essential that law enforcement play a major role in the intervention and overall development of the participants. We are the first to make contact with “at-risk” youth.
The VIDA program is designed to redirect “at-risk” juveniles to partner with the positive influences of the law enforcement family, rather than negative influences of gang cultures and the criminal element.
The VIDA program is a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations, with law enforcement being the facilitator and taking the leadership role. The program is coordinated by Deputy Sheriff’s, assisted by Marine Corps drill instructors, and a cadre of other deputies and volunteers who donate their time and expertise to assist in the ongoing success of the program.
VITAL INTERVENTION
& DIRECTIONAL
ALTERNATIVES
For further information,
Contact:
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station
23740 Magic Mountain Parkway
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
661-255-1121, x5160
