KCSOS Project 180 - Kern Project 180

What is
Project 180?
Project 180 is a county-wide gang
prevention and intervention program. The
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
(KCSOS) is one of seven core partners
participating in this effort; others include:
♦ Community Action Partnership of
Kern
♦ Ebony Counseling Center
♦ Garden Pathways
♦ Stay Focused/Reach 4 Greatness
Mentoring
♦ New Life Recovery & Training
Center
♦ Kern County Teen Challenge
KCSOS PROJECT 180
EVALUATION OUTCOMES
AT A GLANCE
These outcomes measures are explained
in detail in the report.
KCSOS Project 180
July 2013—June 2014 Annual Report
This report presents evaluation findings from data collected during the service period
beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014. The local evaluation focuses on
services provided by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Project
180 Prevention Specialist and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Master
of Social Work Student Interns.
EVALUATION FOCUS
The evaluation scope of work for the 12 -month project period contains the
following anticipated outcomes:
♦ KCSOS Project 180 shall provide early identification of at-risk students from
KCSOS operated Community Schools and connect them to appropriate support
services identified as areas of need through the Youth Level of Service/ Case
Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) 2.0 assessment tool.
♦ Provide one (1) evidence-based training to build capacity of school-based and
community-based prevention programs and Project 180 partners.
♦ Increase academic performance of case managed youth by 5%.
♦ Increase identified Resiliency Indicators amongst case managed youth by 5% after
completing prevention/intervention services under KCSOS Project 180 case
management.
•
Reduced gang participation by 29%
(p. 11)
♦ Increase percentage of youth who report having a caring adult relationship at
school by 5%.
•
Reduced re-offending by 86% (p. 11)
•
KCSOS provided seven (7) Evidencebased trainings to Project 180 and
community-based partners
(target = 1; p. 7 )
♦ Increase percentage of youth who agree that they have opportunities for
meaningful involvement at school by 5%.
•
♦ Increase parent/guardian knowledge level of specific ways to help change negative
behavior in children as discussed in Parent Project sessions by 10%.
♦ Increase parent/guardian knowledge level of the warning signs of youth
involvement in gangs due to their participation in Parent Project sessions by 10%.
Increased Parent/Guardian
knowledge to reduce negative
behaviors by 17% (target = 5%; p. 8)
♦ Reduce the number of Case Managed youth who report being involved in gangs.
•
Increased academic achievement by
57.2% (target = 5%; p. 10)
♦ Provide regular opportunities for KCSOS Project 180 referred students to be
•
Reduced truancy for KCSOS Project
This report presents the progress made towards achieving each of these anticipated
180 referred students by 15%
outcomes.
(target = 5%; p. 10)
•
Reduced risk factors by 42% (p. 4)
♦ Reduce the number of Case Managed youth who re-offend.
connected to youth development programs.
1
KCSOS PROJECT 180 REFERRALS AND TIER LEVELS OF SERVICE:
KCSOS Project 180 received 260 referrals during the twelve-month 2013-2014 project period, but data was not available
for 6 students as it was not provided on the referral and we were unable to make contact with the family, (see pie chart
below).
Departme
nt of
Human
Services
2%
Source of Referrals
n=260
Bakersfield
Police
Department
2%
Mental Health
1%
Missing Data
2%
Other
5%
Schools
53%
Parent
25%
Project 180 Partner
0%
Truancy (SARB, TRACKTruancy Coalition, etc.)
0%
Probation
7%
Sheriff's Department
1%
Self
2%
KCSOS Project 180 Tier Levels of Service (Gang Prevention and Intervention):
Through KCSOS, one gang Prevention
Specialist and seven Master of Social Work
Student Interns from California State
University, Bakersfield, case-managed
youth who were at-risk for gang
involvement or who were gang involved.
Referrals to KCSOS Project 180 were
made through a variety of sources and
agencies, including Probation Officers,
parents, schools, partnering agencies, and
even by self-referral. In addition to linking
participants to educational services,
KCSOS Project 180 staff connected
students to mentoring, social skills
training, vocational education, after-school
enrichment, youth development programs,
community service projects, and much
more.
Services were not limited to the youth,
KCSOS Project 180 staff worked with the
entire system that affects the youth,
including the family. These support
services included, but were not limited to
Parent Education classes, housing/utilities
assistance, community service projects and
capacity-building training in evidence-based
prevention/intervention programs to
community-based partners and school
staff.
2
CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH SERVED
AND KCSOS PROJECT 180 CASE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES:
When youth are referred to
KCSOS Project 180, parents/
guardians receive a phone call
from KCSOS Staff who then
conduct a phone triage (see
Triage Form in Appendix A) to
determine if the student meets
the criteria for gang prevention
or intervention services. If the
student meets the criteria,
their case is presented at the
next KCSOS Project 180 case
management meeting to discuss
possible prevention and
intervention services and assign
a case manager. KCSOS Staff
then contacts the family to set
up an appointment with the
student and family for a full
assessment using the Youth
Level of Service/Case
Management Inventory
(YLS/CMI).
The YLS/CMI assessment
helps the Prevention Specialist
determine the participant's
level of service, supervision,
and helps guide the support
services/case plan. The
YLS/CMI gauges risks, needs,
and responsivity level in eight
criminogenic domains:
(1) prior and current offenses
or adjudications,
(2) family circumstances and
parenting,
(3) education/employment,
KCSOS Project 180 staff received 260 referrals during this 12 month period. After
conducting a phone triage, 146 students/families were referred out to other service
providers (Tier 3), 66 students/families were unable to be contacted, 31 students/families
were case managed under Tier 2, 16 students/families were case managed under Tier 1,
and one referral was still pending services.
KCSOS Project 180 Referrals n=260
Unable to
Contact/Case
Never Opened
25%
Pending
1%
Tier 2 (Secondary
Prevention)
12%
Tier 3 (Primary
Prevention)
56%
KCSOS Project 180 staff received 260 referrals during this 12 month period, but only 51
referrals met the criteria for gang prevention and intervention services and were assessed
using the YLS/CMI assessment tool. Of those 51, most students received Tier 2 Secondary
Prevention services. (see pie chart below).
YLS/CMI Baseline Risk Level at Intake
(n=51)
Very High
Risk
4%
Low Risk
4%
(4) peer relations,
(5) substance abuse,
(6) leisure/recreation,
(7) personality and behavior,
and
(8) attitudes/orientation
If the student does not meet
the criteria for Tier 1 or Tier 2
levels of service criteria, they
are referred out to services
that address their needs, but
are not case managed by
KCSOS Project 180 staff.
Tier 1 (Early
Intervention)
6%
YLS/CMI
Total Risk/ Need
Level
Male:
Low = 0-9
Moderate 10-21
High = 22-31
Very High = 32-42
High Risk
27%
Moderate
Risk
65%
Female:
Low = 0-8
Moderate 9-19
High = 20-28
Very High = 29-42
3
There were a total of 51 students with baseline assessments. Of those 22 students successfully completed the KCSOS
Project 180 program. The average criminogenic risk factors for the youth who completed the program, was reduced by 42
%. The graph below displays the average YLS/CMI baseline score at intake 17.09 (moderate risk) and 9.95 (low risk) at
follow-up. Some of the reasons why students were unable to complete the program include; students/family quit services,
moved out of service area, and some were referred to other services to address their criminogenic needs (Tier 3).
KCSOS Project 180 Average YLS/CMI Scores Before & After Successfully
Completing the Program (n=22)
18
Baseline Score
16
Follow-Up Score
14
42%
Male:
Low = 0-9
Moderate 10-21
High = 22-31
Very High = 32-42
12
17.09
10
8
9.95
6
4
2
Female:
Low = 0-8
Moderate 9-19
High = 20-28
Very High = 29-42
0
Baseline Score
Follow-Up Score
The overwhelming majority of youth referred to KCSOS Project 180 were males (80%). The largest age group of youth
referred to KCSOS Project 180 was 11-15 years, (see pie charts below).
Referrals Received by Gender
n=260
Age of Youth Referred to KCSOS
Project 180
n=260
Not
Answered
on Referral
8%
Female
20%
6-10 Years
Old
6%
16-20 Years
Old
37%
Male
80%
11-15 Years
Old
49%
4
The majority of youth who were referred in 2013-2014 to KCSOS Project 180 resided in Bakersfield (74%). Other referrals
(n=41) came from Arvin, Delano, Lamont, McFarland, Oildale, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Tehachapi, and Wasco. Some of the
referrals did not list a home address (n=25) and we were unable to make contact with the family due to incomplete contact
information.
Delano (93215)
1%
Zip Codes of Youth Referred to KCSOS Project 180
n=260
Ridgecrest (93555)
0%
Lamont (93241)
2%
McFarland (93250)
1%
Wasco (93280)
1%
Arvin (93203)
3%
Bakersfield (93301)
5%
Not Answered
10%
Shafter (93263)
2%
W. Bakersfield (93312)
2%
Tehachapi (93561)
1%
S.W. Bakersfield
(933011 & 93313)
17%
Oildale (93308)
7%
S.E. Bakersfield (93307)
27%
E. Bakersfield (93305)
10%
N.E. Bakersfield (93306)
13%
Map of Kern County/
Bakersfield Zip Codes
5
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
This section of the report summarizes outcomes by objective.
Objective: KCSOS Project 180 shall provide early identification of at-risk students from KCSOS operated
Community Schools and connect them to appropriate support services.
During this reporting period, KCSOS Project 180 staff received 139 referrals for students attending KCSOS operated
Community Schools. Of those, 36 students were assessed using the YLC/CMI, assigned as Tier 1 or Tier 2 Level of Service
and were case managed. Youth were most commonly referred to Stay Focused, Juvenile Gang Diversion Programs, and
Grizzly Youth Academy (see pie chart below). Other programs included Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioral Intervention,
and After-School Programs. Many youth were referred to more than one program.
Referrals by School District (n=260)
Arvin Union School District
2%
Vineland School District
Edison Elementary School
Not enrolled in School
Greenfield Union School 1%
District
3%
District
0%
Beardsley School District
2%
0%
Wasco Union Elementary
School District
0%
Kern High School District
19%
Bakersfield City School
District
14%
Fairfax School District
0%
Panama-Buena Vista Union
School District
4%
Lamont School District
1%
KCSOS Alt. Ed.
Community Schools
54%
Delano Union School District
0%
Districts with zero percent (0%) referred only one (1) student
How KCSOS Project 180 Referred Youth were Connected to Services to
Address the Needs of Youth
Victim Witness Program
1%
Youth Connection
2%
Youth Leadership After-School
Program
Development
6%
2%
Student Gang-Call In
1%
Stay Focused - Reach for
Greatness
14%
Slow Down / Despacio Wasco
Juvenile Prison Gang Diversion
Program
13%
Pyles Boys Camp
5%
KCSOS Project 180 - Youth
Programs Overview
4%
Alliance Against Family Violence
2%
Aggression Replacement
Training (ART)
6%
AmeriCorps Mentoring Program
2%
BPD Truancy Prevention
Intervention Program
3%
Mental Health Counseling
7%
Devil Pups
1%
Education Diversion and Goals to
Endeavor (EDGE) Kern Valley State Prison
Juvenile Gang Diversion Program
14%
Grizzly Youth Academy
11%
Other Project 180 Partners
2%
Substance Abuse Counseling
5%
Family Preservation Community
Services
2%
Forward Thinking Interactive
Journaling
2%
6
Objective: Provide one (1) evidence-based training to build capacity of school-based and communitybased programs
KCSOS Project 180 provided seven (7) evidence-based trainings and (9) additional best-practice trainings during the
twelve month period:
Training
Aggression Replacement Training Facilitator Training
Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling Trainer of Trainers
Aggression Replacement Training Facilitator Training
Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory Training
Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling Facilitator Training
Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling Facilitator Training
Aggression Replacement Training Facilitator Training
Dates
July 15-16, 2013
July 18-19, 2013
August 8-9, 2013
August 29, 2013
October 14, 2013
January 28-29, 2014
April 29-30, 2014
Number of
Attendees
20
17
19
12
9
21
15
KCSOS Project 180 hosted the following additional Best-Practice trainings during the twelve month period:
Number of
Best-Practice Trainings
Dates
Attendees
Case Management 101 Training
August 14, 2013
19
Case Management 101 Training
August 27, 2013
13
Motivational Interviewing Training
August 29, 2013
21
Efforts to Outcomes Training (ETO)
August 29, 2013
12
Student Assistance Teams (SAT) Training #1
October 7, 2013
38
Gang Prevention/ Intervention programs presentation to the Bakersfield
Police Department School Resource Officers
December 17, 2013
13
Gang Prevention/ Intervention programs presentation at the Safe
Schools Training for Kern County School Administrators
January 17, 2014
35
Student Assistance Teams (SAT) Training #2
March 4, 2014
43
Gang Awareness presentation to the parents of Fairfax School District
March 22, 2014
27
Objective: Increase identified Resiliency Indictors by 5% after completing prevention/intervention services
This measure was assessed using student pre/post surveys designed to measure protective factors (e.g., presence of a caring
adult, school connectedness, and peer influence). Students indicated whether they agreed or disagreed with statements (or
were unsure about the statement) on the survey.
During this reporting period, a total of 41 students completed pre surveys. Of those, 16 students had matching post surveys.
Since change can only be assessed for those students with a matching pre/ post survey, results reported here are limited to
only those 16 students. Given the small sample size, results cannot be generalized to the rest of the KCSOS Project 180
student population, and should be interpreted with caution.
•
•
•
Relationship with a caring adult in school - No Change
Opportunities for meaningful school involvement - No Change
I hang out with people who get in trouble - decreased by 18%
Objective: Increase parent/guardian knowledge level of specific ways to help change negative behavior in
children as discussed in Parent Project sessions by 10%
This measure was assessed using a Parent survey. The survey captured information regarding their child's behaviors and
attitudes at home and school. Parents described their children’s behavior using a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 = never and 5 =
always. All items assessed showed change in the desired direction. KCSOS Project 180 staff asked parents to complete a pre
survey at the time the youth was assessed using the YLS-CMI. Parents are then asked to complete a post survey upon
completion of the program.
7
During this reporting period 25 parents had pre and post surveys that were available for comparison. The analysis included
here is based on the 25 matching pre/post surveys. Given the small sample size, results cannot be generalized to the rest of
the KCSOS Project 180 parent population, and should be interpreted with caution.
•
Parent/Guardian knowledge to reduce negative behavior in children increased by an
average of 17% across these items on the Parent surveys
Increase Parent/Guardian Knowledge to Reduce Negative
Bahaviors in Children (n=25)
Pre-Survey
4.5
Post-Survey
4
9%
10%
3.5
3
2.5
2
33%
1.5
1
0.5
0
Scale of
1-5
I argue with my child
I provide structure/discipline for
my children
I make sure my child completes
their homework
This objective was also measured using the YLS/CMI assessment tool. Data was available for comparison for 21 students
which showed a decrease by an average of 19% in Family Circumstances/ Parenting (a criminogenic domain in
the YLS/CMI). Some students entered the program late in the reporting period, therefore the post information is not
available as they are still enrolled in the program. Given the small sample size, results cannot be generalized to the rest of
the KCSOS Project 180 parent population, and should be interpreted with caution.
80%
70%
60%
50%
KCSOS Project 180 YLS/CMI Assessment Pre & Post - Family
Circumstances/Parenting Risk & Need Factors (n=21)
76%
YLS/CMI Baseline
YLS/CMI Follow-Up
76%
62%
40%
38%
30%
20%
43%
33%
24%
10%
29%
0%
Inadequate Supervision
Difficulty Controlling
Behavior
Inappropriate Discipline Inconsistent Parenting
19% decrease in
poor parenting
practices, which
increases youths'
protective
factors to not
join gangs
Weak Parental Supervision is a major contributing risk factor for gang involvement – USC Professor Dr. Hennigan, 2011.
8
Objective: Increase parent/guardian knowledge level of warning signs related to youth involvement in
gangs by 10% after participation in Parent Project sessions
On the parent pre/post surveys, parents were asked to identify three warning signs that would alert them of possible gang
involvement of their children. A total of 25 parents had pre and post surveys that were available for comparison.
•
Parent/Guardian knowledge of warning signs for gang involvement increased by 62%
(target = 10%)
Objective: Refer Parent/Guardians of KCSOS Project 180 case managed students/families to Parent
Education Classes
A total of 39 parents were referred to Parent Education classes, Parent Project and Parents on A Mission. Out of the 260
referrals received by KCSOS Project 180 program, only 193 families were able to be reached and referred to services,
resulting in 20% of those parents being referred to Parent Education.
A total of 26 Parent Project Classes were held during this reporting period.
Location
West High School
Cecil Avenue Middle School in Delano
Greenfield Middle School
Foothill High School
Foothill High School
West High School
West High School
Arvin High School
Arvin High School
West High School
West High School
West High School
Richland School District
Golden Valley High School
Golden Valley High School
Arvin High School
Arvin High School
Foothill High School
Foothill High School
Bakersfield High School
Lamont School District
Cecil Avenue Middle School in Delano
Richland School District (Shafter)
West High School
West High School
West High School
Start Date
August 19,2013
September 11, 2013
September 18, 2013
October 2, 2013
October 2, 2013
October 8, 2013
October 8, 2013
October 17, 2013
October 17, 2013
October 28, 2013
January 6, 2014
January 9, 2014
January 23, 2014
February 5, 2014
February 5, 2014
February 5, 2014
February 5, 2014
February 26, 2014
February 26, 2014
March 6, 2014
March 12, 2014
March 12, 2014
April 2, 2014
April 21, 2014
April 21, 2014
June 9, 2014
Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
Parent Project Spanish Curriculum
Parent Project English Curriculum
9
Objective: Improve academic performance (e.g. grade point average, school grade percentage, and/or
credits earned) of case-managed students by 5%.
This measure was evaluated using student transcripts, school progress, reports, report cards, and the YLS/CMI Baseline and
Follow-up assessments. Overall the average GPA increased from .33 at baseline to 2.22 at follow-up (57.2% increase in
GPA). School data was available for 10 students, but only 6 student’s GPA’s were available for comparison due to the
following reasons: (1) students were attending Blanton Elementary, where school credit is given by number of days in
attendance; and (2) students attending KCSOS Community Schools only received credits, but no letter grades or GPA’s.
Some students entered the program late in the reporting period; therefore the post information is not available as they are
still in the program.
Increase GPA for KCSOS Project 180 Students (n=6)
2.5
2.22
57.2%
Increase in
G.P.A.
2
1.5
1
0.33
0.5
0
Baseline GPA
Follow-up GPA
Behavior and attendance were measured using the YLS/CMI Baseline and Follow-up assessments. Data was available for
comparison for 21 students which showed a decrease in disruptive classroom behavior by 24%, decrease in
disruptive behavior on school property by an average of 47%, decrease in poor school performance by an
average of 19%, decreased Problems with Peers by an average of 23%, decreased Problems with Teachers by
an average of 24%, and reduced Truancy by an average of 15%. Some students entered the program late in the
reporting period, therefore the post information is not available as they are still in the program.
80%
76%
KCSOS Project 180 YLS/CMI Assessment Pre & Post Education Risk & Need Factors (n=21)
71%
70%
60%
71%
52%
YLS/CMI Baseline
YLS/CMI Follow-Up
52%
52%
48%
50%
40%
30%
24%
29%
24%
20%
29%
14%
10%
0%
Disruptive Classroom Disruptive Behavior
Behavior
on School Property
Low Achievement Problems with Peers
Problems with
Teachers
Truancy
10
Objective: Increase the number of youth who report not being involved in gangs
On the student pre/post surveys, students self-identify their gang involvement/non-involvement. Students were asked to
circle the answer that applied to them, 1= Active Participant, 2=Associates With, 3=Want to Get Out, 4= Out/Staying Out, or
5=Not Involved. Students’ gang involvement decreased by 29% after completing the KCSOS Project 180 services.
Objective: Reduce recidivism of Case Managed youth who have been arrested at least one time
On the student pre survey, students were asked, “Have you ever been arrested”? And on the post survey, “Since participating
in Project 180, have you been arrested”? Students were asked to circle the answer that applied to them, 0=Never, 1=Once,
2=Twice, 3=Three, 4=Four or more. Re-offending was reduced by 100%.
On the student pre survey, students were asked, “Have you ever been incarcerated”? And on the post survey, “Since
participating in Project 180, have you been incarcerated”? Students were asked to circle the answer that applied to them,
0=Never, 1=Once, 2=Twice, 3=Three, 4=Four or more. Re-offending was reduced by 86%.
3
KCSOS Project 180 Student Gang Involvement, Arrest, &
Re-Incarceration (n= 16)
29%
Pre-Survey
2.5
2
2.8
Post-Survey
2
1.5
100%
1
86%
1.1
0.5
0.7
0
0
Gang Involvement
Arrested
0.1
Incarcerated
Objective: Provide regular opportunities for KCSOS Project 180 referred students to be connected to
youth development programs
KCSOS staff provided numerous youth development opportunities to KCSOS Project 180 referred students. KCSOS staff
provided two (2) Youth Program Overviews; six (6) Diversion programs to the Educational Diversion and Goals to
Endeavor (EDGE) at Kern Valley State Prison and the Slow Down/Despacio program at Wasco State Prison; three (3)
Student Gang Call-Ins (modeled after the Boston Cease Fire approach) at several KCSOS operated Community
Schools; Leaders in Life Youth Conference; Service Learning opportunities; and Grizzly Youth Academy Tours
during the twelve month period.
Event
Service Learning Activity at the California Living Museum
Education Diversion and Goals to Endeavor (EDGE)
Date
8/15/13
10/2/13
Students/ Adults
5 students/ 3 adults
15 students/ 19 adults
11
KCSOS Project 180 Youth Programs Overview #1
Slow Down/Despacio Program
Grizzly Youth Academy Tour
Slow Down/Despacio Program
California Living Museum Field Trip
Education Diversion and Goals to Endeavor (EDGE)
Building Healthy Communities Outreach
15th Annual Leaders in Life Youth Conference
KCSOS Project 180 Youth Programs Overview #2
Slow Down/Despacio Program
Student Gang Call-In at the Blanton Center
Education Diversion and Goals to Endeavor (EDGE)
Project 180 Outreach Event
Student Gang Call-In at Community Learning Center 34th
Student Gang Call-In at Auburn Community School
Slow Down/Despacio Program
10/10/13
11/13/13
12/4/13
1/22/14
2/26/14
3/5/14
3/8/14
3/13/14
3/19/14
4/16/14
5/1/14
5/7/14
5/17/14
5/19/14
5/21/14
5/28/14
40+
11 students/ 13 Adults
18 Students/ 11 Adults
9 students/ 12 Adults
8 students/ 6 Adults
9 students/ 15 Adults
30+ families
1,600 + Students
90 + Students/ Parents
11 students/ 9 Adults
25 Students
7 Students/ 13 Adults
10+ families
21 Students
16 Students
8 Students/ 6 Adults
Diversion Programs - Educational Diversion and Goals to Endeavor (EDGE) at Kern Valley State Prison and
the Slow Down/Despacio program at Wasco State Prison are community outreach programs designed to
discourage youth delinquency, gang involvement, and other antisocial behaviors. These programs are currently being
offered to youth at-risk of gang involvement throughout Kern County. KCSOS Project 180 recruited, screened and
transported 70 referred youth to these diversion programs.
Of the 70 students who participated in the Diversion programs, forty (40) students attended the program as part of their
Tier 3 service, but were not case managed, (18) students continued to be case managed by KCSOS Project 180 staff under
Tier 2 or Tier 1 level of service, eleven (11) students continued to be mentored by their AmeriCorps mentors, five (5)
students were selected and attended the Pyles Boys Camp, and two (2) students were referred to the Grizzly Youth
Academy.
12
Student Gang Call-Ins - KCSOS staff hosted three (3) Student Gang Call-Ins, modeled after the Boston CeaseFire Model, at KCSOS operated Community Schools. A total of 62 students, identified as at-risk for gang involvement or
gang involved attended the Call-Ins. Speakers on the panel included representatives from the Bakersfield Police
Department, Kern County District Attorney’s office, Garden Pathways, Stay Focused Ministries, Family of Former
KCSOS Project 180 student, KCSOS Project 180 staff, and other community members. Of those, two (2) students
were case managed by KCSOS Project 180 staff, (summaries of the Student Gang Call-Ins are included in Appendix B).
Grizzly Youth Academy
FREE residential alternative
school program for At-Risk Youth
between the ages of 16 to 18 years old
GYA’s mission is to help “at-risk students” get back on track
educationally and emotionally.
The Grizzly Youth Academy is a 22 week residential Charter High School, run by the California National Guard and
chartered through the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education – WASC accredited. The academy is structured as a
"military boarding school" to promote an academic environment that helps develop leadership, cooperation, job skills, and
academic skills, while improving self-esteem, pride, and confidence. The Academy is located at Camp San Luis Obispo, CA.
Students can earn up to 60 high school credits while in the residential phase of the program.
The Grizzly Youth Academy is divided into three phases. The “Pre-Challenge” phase is a two week evaluation period to
determine if prospective cadets are prepared for the rigors of the program. The “Challenge” phase is a 20 week residential
period of academics, physical fitness, and counseling (both individual and group), life skills training, and team-building.
Cadets live on base in military barracks, eat in the base dining facility, and attend school on the base. The third phase is the
“Post-Residential” phase. This is a one year mentorship period completed in the cadet’s community with the guidance and
assistance of a custom matched, screened, and trained mentor.
KCSOS Project 180 staff have been referring students to this program since July 2008. KCSOS Project staff facilitated two
(2) Youth Program Overviews during this reporting period. One of the programs highlighted at the overview is Grizzly
Youth Academy. A total of 58 students from Kern County were accepted into the Grizzly Youth Academy for the 20132014 school year. Class 31 started July 2013 and graduated the program in December 2013. This class had 34 students
from Kern County. Class 32 started January 2014 and graduated the program in June 2014. This class had 24 students
from Kern County. Class 33 started July 2014 and the cadets will graduate the program December 2014. This class has 44
students from Kern County.
KCSOS Project 180 Youth Program Overviews - KCSOS Project 180 staff hosted two (2) Youth Programs
Overviews (YPO) during this reporting period. The purpose of the YPO’s is to expose Kern County residents, community
members, law enforcement, and youth serving agencies of programs available to at-risk youth. The first YPO was held on
October 10, 2013. There were 16 agencies who participated in the resource fair, including all Project 180 partners. Other
groups included after-school programs, California Conservation Corps, Family Preservation Community Services, Grizzly
Youth Academy, KCSOS Jobs Plus/ Youth Builds, and Volunteer/Community Service programs. Over 40 students and
families attended the overview.
The second YPO was held on March 19, 2014. There were 22 agencies that participated in the resource fair, including all
the Project 180 partners. Other groups included after-school programs, California Conservation Corps, Devil Pups of
America, Family Preservation Community Services, Grizzly Youth Academy, KCSOS Jobs Plus/ Youth Builds, Pyles Boys
Camp, and Volunteer/Community Service programs. Over 90 students and families attended the overview.
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ADDITIONAL CONTRACTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Objective: Provide two (2) Cognitive Behavioral classes (anger management, pro-social skills development)
for students at KCSOS operated Community Schools.
KCSOS Project 180 staff hosted seven (7) Aggression Replacement Training (A.R.T.) classes and one (1) Forward
Thinking Interactive Journaling class during this reporting period. Aggression Replacement Training (ART) - is a
psycho-educational intervention designed to alter maladaptive behavior of chronically aggressive adolescents and young
children. The program addresses three specific interventions: skill-streaming, anger-control training, and training in moral
reasoning. Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling - is a structured, experiential writing process that leads students
through a series of core behavior change content, targeted questioning, and effective behavior change strategies focused on
supporting positive, pro-social life changes. Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling allows individuals in a variety of settings
and service programs to identify strengths, search out motivations to make change in their lives, and map out a course that
can lead to enduring change. Applying the information presented in the Interactive Journals to their own lives helps
participants achieve their goals of responsible living.
Location
Community Learning Center Tech
Community Learning Center Tech
Auburn Community School
Blanton West Elementary
KCSOS School Community Partnership Office
Community Learning Center Tech
Auburn Community School
Community Learning Center Tech
Dates
July 29 – August 16, 2013
September 30 - December 3, 2013
October 2 – December 11, 2013
October 14 – December 16, 2013
December 11, 2013 – February 26, 2014
January 13 – February 25, 2014
April 7 – May 28, 2014
April 22 – May 7, 2014
Number of Students
who completed
5 students
8 students
6 students
7 students
4 students
9 students
7 students
8 students
Objective: Support the Leaders in Life Youth Conference and incorporate four (4) KCSOS Project 180
students in the planning committee
KCSOS Project 180 staff identified several students that had been referred to Project 180 to be part of the General
Planning Committee for this year’s conference, but only one (1) student joined the Leaders in Life Youth Conference
Planning Committee. The Leaders in Life Youth Conference is sponsored by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Office and is planned by youth for youth. The Leaders in Life Youth Conference Planning Committee is divided into several
subcommittees and students get to choose what subcommittee they would like to be part of which includes; Executive,
Fund Raising, Speakers and Workshops, Marketing and Public Relations, Venue and Logistics, and Resource Fair. The
Planning Committee meets five (5) times throughout the school year starting in October to plan the conference. This past
year was the 15th Annual Leaders in Life Youth Conference and it was held at the Rabobank Convention Center on March
13, 2014. Over 1,600 students from all over Kern County and throughout the State of California attended.
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In an article published by the National Gang Center (2013), the authors identify “pushes” and “pulls” that influence
individuals to join gangs. Being part of the Leaders in Life Youth Conference Planning Committee helps address the
lack of success in school which the article labels as a “push”, and the sense of belonging and support, identified as
“pulls” which will help prevent youth from joining gangs. The Leaders in Life Youth Conference is designed to help
students learn more about topics that they would not normally have an opportunity to learn about in school and
to show them the opportunities available to them in the community and guide them in making positive choices.
Workshop topics included: drug and alcohol abuse prevention, gang prevention, community service, anti-bullying,
etc. In addition to the workshops, students are able to visit the resource fair with over 45 vendors including local
colleges/ universities, military, employment/ vocational training opportunities, and community/ volunteer service
opportunities. For more information go to www.leadersinlife.org.
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SUMMARY
At the end of the 2013-2014 project period, KCSOS Project 180 met most of the goals and objectives for this reporting
period. Even with that success, the outcome measures can be improved with better collection and inputting of data into the
ETO system, providing more consistent active supervision of caseloads, and on-going ETO training.
Some challenges for this reporting period were as follows: (1) KCSOS Project 180 has only one full-time (1 FTE) KCSOS
Prevention Specialist and one part time (.40 FTE) Project Facilitator which limits our ability to directly serve/case manage
students across Kern County; and (2) Even though there was progress made in reducing the rate of students/families not
following through from 11.5% in the 2012-2013 project year to 5.5% this project period, this issue continues to affect the
outcomes of the program as a lot of time and effort goes into trying to help the students and families.
KCSOS staff members have recognized the program challenges and have put in place the following practices in order to
address these issues:
• KCSOS Project 180 staff has created a KCSOS Project 180 Gang Prevention/Early Intervention Services
Handbook to inform referring agencies, parents, and community members of our services, criteria for services,
and referral process, which has helped reduce the number of referred youth that did not fit the criteria for gang
involvement, (see attached Appendix C).
• KCSOS Project 180 staff will change the current Three Tiered Level of Service approach to mirror the
Response to Interventions (RTI) model and the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program
currently being used by many school districts in order to be more aligned with the delivery of services.
• KCSOS Project 180 staff has added the Transtheorical Model of Behavior Change also known as Stages of
Change to the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) demographics page in order to track student progress and improve
outcomes, (included in appendix).
• KCSOS Project 180 staff continues to work with Social Solutions to update the ETO data collection system
with assessments, consolidated programs, and continuous changes to the system in order to collect more
accurate data and improve the reportable outcomes.
• KCSOS Project 180 staff continues to partner with California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) to
provide Masters of Social Work (MSW) Student Interns who assist the Prevention Specialist with the referrals,
case management, and the delivery of services to KCSOS Project 180 referred students.
• KCSOS Project 180 staff in partnership with California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) is in the process of
establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with Arvin, Greenfield, and Standard School Districts to
expand the delivery of services with the help of Masters of Social Work Student Interns who will provide
Tier 2 and Tier 3 case management services to youth in those districts.
• KCSOS Project 180 staff will enhance the Efforts to Outcome (ETO) and the administration of the Pre
and Post survey trainings being provided to KCSOS Project 180 staff and CSUB MSW Student Interns in
order to improve data collection and outcomes.
• KCSOS Project 180 staff will increase the frequency of the MSW case management
meetings/supervision and school site visits from last year in order to be able to address the most
challenging cases, suggest intervention services, and provide case management guidance.
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KCSOS Project 180 Case Studies
As part of the 2013-2014 Evaluation, five in-depth student case studies were conducted.
Theoretical Framework for services:
KCSOS Project 180 gang prevention and early intervention strategies are grounded in research and evidence-based
principles. The KCSOS Project referral form was developed using the gang risk domains identified by the Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP); the triage form used to identify gang risk youth was
developed using USC Professor Dr. Karen Hannigan’s (2011) empirical research on gang prevention;
students identified as gang risk are assessed for criminogenic risk and need factors using the Youth Level of
Service/Case Management Inventory Assessment Tool; A case plan is developed using a Strength-based
perspective to address the needs of the student using Maslow’s Theory of Hierarchy of Needs and the
Youth Asset Development model to focus on strengths, not just risk factors. The overall goal is to move
referred youth through the Stages of Change, to improve the trajectory of their lives.
Carlos’ Story
Carlos is a 16 year old male student who was referred to Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Project
180 in December 2013 by school staff. His mother had been looking for help since she realized that her son was
constantly smoking marijuana and associating with gang members who were providing him with the drugs. Carlos’
delinquent behaviors included substance abuse, truancy, disruptive school behavior and defiance. Carlos also lacked
parental supervision as he came from a single parent home and his mother worked three jobs to provide for him
and his two siblings. Carlos’s father had abandoned the family a few years back.
KCSOS Project 180 staff conducted an assessment using the Youth Level of Service/ Case Management
Inventory tool (YLS/CMI) to assess for risks, needs, and responsivity factors. Carlos’ criminogenic risk level was
assessed at a 16 (high moderate) and was placed on the Tier 2 case management (Secondary Prevention).
Carlos’ risk factors included limited organized activities, lack of positive role models, poor school performance,
expulsions, defiance, risky behaviors, and negative peers. Carlos’s most significant risk factors were his aggressive
behavior and substance abuse.
“I never imagined having a bright future
or even going to college, now I think I
might have a chance and a good
future.” Carlos, 2014 age 16
A case plan was developed with short term and
long term goals to address the high risk areas
(family, leisure time, & personality/ behavior).
Carlos’ was referred to Brief Intervention: An
Approach to Substance Using Adolescents to address his substance abuse problem, and to the Slow Down /
Despacio program at Wasco State Prison - a juvenile gang diversion program. His mother was referred to
Parent Project for parent education classes.
Another goal that was addressed by Project 180 staff was Carlos’s poor school performance. Carlos was behind in
school credits and at-risk of not graduating from high school. Using their Motivational Interviewing skills,
KCSOS Project 180 staff was able to motivate Carlos into applying to the Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) in
San Luis Obispo, California for the July 2014 class. In January of 2014, Carlos began the application process. Carlos
completed the GYA application, but needed to complete the face-to-face interview and tour at Camp San Luis
Obispo. Carlos’ family did not have reliable transportation or the funds to travel to San Luis Obispo for this
process. In April 2014, KCSOS Project 180 staff facilitated this process by providing transportation for Carlos and
other students from Kern County with this similar challenge. During the waiting process of getting notified of his
acceptance, Carlos began to change his behavior and his poor choices. In May 2014, Carlos was notified that he had
been accepted into the GYA and would begin the program on July 19, 2014.
In June 2014, KCSOS Project 180 staff conducted a follow-up assessment on Carlos. His risk level dropped from a
16 (high moderate risk) to a 7 (low risk). Carlos will graduate from the Grizzly Youth Academy in December
2014 and will be back on track to graduate with his high school class.
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Terrence’s Story
Terrence, a 9 year old student who was referred to Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Project 180
in January 2014 by his teacher. Project 180 services were being offered at Terrence’s school site by a Masters of
Social Work Student Intern. Mike’s teacher referred him because of his low achievement, disruptive school
behavior, history of being expelled, having a short temper, being aggressive and engaging in risky behaviors.
Terrence had been expelled from his home district and placed at a KCSOS operated Community School.
KCSOS staff conducted a Triage with the student’s family and placed him in the Tier three (3) level of service.
Terrence was referred to the Aggression Replacement Training (A.R.T.) groups being facilitated at the school
site. Terrence attended for ten (10) weeks and he learned social and anger control skills. Terrence enjoyed his
A.R.T. class very much and completed the program.
Towards the completion of Project 180, Terrence had decreased his physical aggressiveness. After completing
Project 180, Terrence stated “(The most important thing I gained or accomplished was) to control my anger around
others.”
“Every child is not the same, and you guys realized that and took it to consideration when working with Terrence.”
– Terrence’s Mom.
“Every child is not the same, and you guys realized that and took
it to consideration when working with Terrence.”– Terrence’s Mother, KCSOS
Project 180 Post Survey Response, 2014
Mike’s Story
Mike is a 17 year old male student who self-referred to Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Project
180 in February 2014. Mike was attending a KCSOS operated Community School at the time and was looking to
make changes in his life. Mike had been placed on formal probation for breaking into his former high school and
vandalizing it while under the influence. Mike’s risk factors included substance abuse and poor relationship with his
mother. Mike’s substance abuse included smoking marijuana and spice as well as drinking alcohol. Mike had been
expelled/dropped from numerous schools due to his negative behavior.
KCSOS Project 180 staff conducted an assessment using the Youth Level of Service/Case Management
Inventory (YLS/CMI) tool. Mike’s criminogenic risk level was assessed at 17 (high moderate) and he was placed
on the Tier 2 case management level of service.
A case plan was developed to
“I see things so much differently now, I see
address his high-risk areas. Mike
how my feelings and situations affect my
began the Forward Thinking
Interactive Journal for
behaviors and how it is like a cycle, but I am
Substance Abuse. Mike was able
to maintain his school placement. ready to not look back.” – Mike, KCSOS Project 180 Post Survey
Mike made tremendous progress Response, 2014 age 17
while participating in the Forward Thinking Interactive Journal. He got involved in a football team outside of
school, began to look for a job, and stayed out of trouble at school. In the follow up assessment his risks decreased
to a lower score of an eight (8) on the YLS/CMI.
At the end of the journaling he was asked what he had learned and what his plans were, he answered, “I see things
so much differently now, I see how my feelings and situations affect my behavior and how it is like a cycle, but I am
ready to not look back. I will use self-talk to remind myself how hard I have worked to get this far.”
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Jose’s Story
Jose, a 16 year old male student, was referred to Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Project 180
program in March 2014. Jose was referred to KCSOS Project 180 by a counselor from his school. Jose’s Mother
advised that he had run away from home for an extended period of time and he later admitted to being addicted to
spice in addition to his gang affiliation. Jose was assessed using the Youth Level of Service/Case Management
Inventory tool as moderate risk with a score of a 20, however, due to his chronic substance abuse and drug
dependency, KCSOS Project 180 staff used their professional judgment to override the score and monitor and
service this youth at a higher level of supervision.
Jose was referred to substance abuse counseling with Kern County Mental Health to help with his drug
addiction. He was also referred to Grizzly Youth Academy which would offer him the opportunity to escape
his environment and focus on his sobriety, self-preservation, and education.
Jose was accepted to Grizzly Youth Academy’s July 2014 class. His follow up YLS/CMI assessment scored was 13still moderate, but significantly lower than his initial score. Jose came by the KCSOS Project 180 office the day
before he left for Grizzly Youth Academy to leave Project 180 staff a letter that read:
“This program helped me with getting off spice. I was addicted to spice for a year. Before I was
introduce into this program I was having problems at home and being what I wanted to be, but that
wasn’t the right way to go. Now my eyes are wide open, before they were wide shut. Now tomorrow
I leave for Grizzly Youth Academy. This is going to be the best thing that’s happened to me.”
Jose, 2014 Age 16
Jacob’s Story
Jacob, a 9 year old male student, was referred to Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Project 180 in
November 2013 by a community member. Jacob was referred to KCSOS Project 180 due to his inability to control
his anger, his attraction to gangs, and behavioral problems at school. Jacob’s parents had been both involved in
gangs, incarcerated, and been victims of gang violence. Jacob’s mother was shot in the back by a gang member and
paralyzed. Even though Jacob was very young and not yet gang involved, he displayed a lot of early signs for future
gang involvement including trauma exposure, attraction to gangs, early signs of delinquency, and poor school
performance.
KCSOS Project 180 staff assessed Jacob using the Youth Level of Service/ Case Management Inventory
(YLS/CMI) assessment tool. His YLS/CMI baseline assessment score was 15 (moderate risk), however, due to
his attraction to gangs and early delinquent behavior, KCSOS Project 180 staff used their professional judgment to
override the score and monitor and service this youth at a higher level of supervision.
A case plan was developed to address his high risk areas. Jacob was referred to a Cognitive Behavioral group using
the Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling to address his anger. During the interview, Jacob stated that he
enjoyed basketball and that he would like to get involved. Jacob was referred to Greenfield Sports
Association’s Basketball program and to Youth Connection to assist the family with the registration fees. The
Saturday basketball games became the family’s outings and helped the family bond.
Jacob’s parents were so grateful for the services they received that they asked if they could help in any way. Jacob’s
parents began sharing their story at the Student Gang Call-Ins being held at several KCSOS operated
Community Schools to deter students from joining gangs or continuing with that lifestyle.
Jacob’s YLS/CMI follow-up score was four (4) low risk. Jacob continues to stay involved in positive activities. He is
currently participating in the Boys and Girls Club summer program.
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Letter from Jacob’s Mother
My family and I are grateful for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Project 180 program. Through this
program our kids have enjoyed the benefits and our family has gotten closer.
With the many hardships our family faced, KCSOS Project 180 and Youth Connection made it possible for our kids
to participate in sports & Young Marines which paid for the registration fees. Counseling through Project 180 has
impacted our son Jacob in a tremendous way. His mindset is no longer on the gang lifestyle, but on sports. He has
learned to control his anger and find positive ways to vent.
Our family's involvement opened the door to many opportunities. Not only did our kids benefit from the help, but
my husband and I have also. We've had the opportunity to share our story during the Gang Call-Ins. Helping others
as we were helped has been a healing process for our family.
Thank you Project 180.
Sincerely,
The Rodriguez Family (name changed to protect identity of the family)
“His mindset is no longer on the gang lifestyle, but
sports” – Jacob’s Mother, 2014
METHODOLOGY FOR CASE STUDIES
All data was collected using the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory assessment tool, Student and Parent Pre/
Post Surveys, and school information provided from school sites. Data was then entered and processed using the Social
Solutions Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) software. In order to protect the identity of youth and parents, a pseudonym is used in
place of these youth’s and parents’ real names.
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