The Spring Green Educational Foundation (SGEF) Youth Diversion Program is a program which focuses on cognitive self-change, as well as problem solving skills. Our program is designed to provide education and support in a holistic approach for the youth as well as their parents/guardians. Over the course of ten weeks, our families meet once a week. A major component of our program is providing the tools to build stronger family relationships and enhance key communication skills.
The program uses multiple community resources which feature a variety of topics. These additional educational components include topics such as smoking, drug/alcohol abuse, safe use of social media and technology, and other current topics.
What Makes Our Diversion Program Unique?
Serving AOD Youth
Every youth enrolled in our program is required to submit to random drug testing.
If a youth has been referred to our program as a result of a substance use/abuse charge, they will complete an AOD assessment, and comply with assessment results.
Curfew
While under contract, all youth are required to comply with the curfew rules as laid out by the contract. Curfew checks are conducted by our Enforcement officer.
Community Service Hours
Youth are assigned community service hours during their intake. This gives them the opportunity to give back to their community, but to be a part of it as well.
Family
Unlike other Diversion programs that focus solely on youth, Spring Green's program works with both youth and parents simultaneously. Parents know every week the skills and subjects their youth are learning about while gaining tools on creating family connection and communication that has proven extremely successful and effective.
For Youth
These classes utilize much of the highly successful Thinking for Change program curriculum, adapting it to meet the needs of the group dynamics. Youth are provided activities and opportunities to identify their thinking patterns, how these impact their life and given tools on how to change their patterns to healthier, productive decisions.
For Parents
Trained facilitators lead a 10 week program based on the national Parent Project. Classes run simultaneously with the youth program, educating and equipping parents on how to successfully help their teen change destructive behaviors.
Looking for additional information?
Our Diversion Staff
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Bethany Peiffer
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Cassie McCurdy
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Abby Schroeder
Hi, my name is Abby and I am a licensed social worker. I graduated from BGSU in 2015 and worked in both the private and public sector. View full bio »
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Dawn Duhaime
Parent Project Facilitator/Youth FacilitatorIf you really knew me… you would know ever since I was a child I felt called to be a voice for those who have lost theirs. View full bio »
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Richard Bingham
Diversion StaffRichard is currently the Chief of Police for Waterville Township. He has been in law enforcement for over 31 yrs. View full bio »
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Bobbie-Jo Newman
Enforcement Officer/Youth FacilitatorBobbie's goal is to lead the youth by setting a good example, to be great leaders; and make a difference in the community. View full bio »