Roberto’s journey with YOS began amidst challenges such as truancy, curfew violations, and marijuana use, compounded by probation for drug possession and robbery. As a freshman in high school, he found himself at the Illinois Youth Center (IYC), a juvenile detention facility.
Two months before his release, Roberto entered the YOS FIT (Family Integrated Therapy) program, aiming to ease his transition home. With a strained relationship with his mother and aggression towards his siblings, Roberto’s family dynamics needed attention.
The YOS FIT coaches started by addressing Roberto’s anger management, while simultaneously guiding his mother in building a more nurturing relationship with him. The goal was to identify and tackle the root causes of Roberto’s behavioral issues and substance abuse. Together, Roberto and his mother devised a plan for avoiding trouble and set consequences for deviations.
Their efforts are showing results: Roberto’s mother now ensures he attends school and does homework at home. His compliance has earned him extended curfew privileges due to his good behavior, as noted by his probation officers.
Currently, Roberto is pursuing goals like obtaining his driver’s license, finding employment, and participating in the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). He has achieved perfect attendance at school and placed in the top 10 percent of his class in a practice ACT.
*Not his real name or photo