The Alternative to Detention Program (AD) is designed to reduce the disproportion of minorities regularly placed in the Racine County Detention Facility as a result of 72-hour holds and sanctions imposed by case managers. The target population for AD includes minority youth, ages 10-16 years who are on Juvenile Court supervison for non-violent crimes. Many of these juveniles are regularly truant and/or commit subsequent minor violations of their court orders. Youth are admitted to the program through their Human Services Case Manager.

AD operates on Saturdays between 9 a.m and 1 p.m. Juveniles are assigned to attend the AD for  five consecutive Saturdays.  The AD program offers sessions which include tutoring or homework help, study skills training, career goals, consequences of irresponsible behavior, job interview/employment tasks and skills for daily living. Parental involvement is encouraged but is voluntary. Consequences for not attending the AD may be placement in the Racine County Detention Center for up to 3 days.

The AD Program attempts to not only provide consequences for a juvenile's actions through limitations on their free time, but also to address basic needs that youth in the juvenile justice system commonly have. These needs are often related to a lack of academic achievement, low self-esteem, poor decision-making skills and a lack of opportunities for positive, leisure activities.

For information on the AD Program, contactGlenn Larson, Delinquency Supervisor.