A matter of respect

Southeast Missourian

Teens gathered in the basement of the Cape Family Resource Center Tuesday giggled and jostled each other as they sat watching a video.

At first it looks like any other after-school program, but most of these teens have been referred here by the juvenile court system.

The video is one of a 12-tape series entitled "The Power of Choice" and features a police officer-turned-comedian talking to teen-agers about life choices and how to deal with them. Watching all of the videos is the first stage of completing Respect Yourself, a program offered to youths ages 14-21. Respect Yourself aims to help youthful offenders get jobs and turn away from continued crimes.

The goal is that, with a job, a formerly delinquent teen can earn money to pay back fines and court costs, letting the reformed youth turn over new, debt-free leaf.

In between their chortles about the videos' bad 1980s hairstyles and fashions, counselor Kyle Turner hopes the youth are learning lessons about peer pressure.

After each video, he engages the group in conversation about what they saw and heard.

Sponsored by the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center in East Prairie, Mo., the Respect Yourself project receives federal funding through the Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri.

Cape's fledgling program has room for 39 teens. So far, there are about 14. Four are just finishing the first phase and preparing for employment.

"It's a positive approach to help them get on the right track," said Angie White, director of the job training program for Susanna Wesley.

'Citizenship package'

After completing 12 hours of videos, the teens receive $100 as an incentive. A bonus $25 is earned for completing a "citizenship package" made up of a group of word puzzles and exercises that aims to get youth reading and writing.

Once the first phase is complete, it's time for the teens to find jobs.

One teen, a 15-year-old, said he hoped to get a job at the mall.

Employment is arranged through the program, although allowances are made if a teen already has a prospective employer.

If necessary, an emergency fund helps youths purchase clothes for work and arrange for transportation, White said.

"Generally we try to find employment close enough where they can walk to work," White said.

Initially they work 100 hours at $5.15 per hour. Their pay and insurance are covered by Respect Yourself. Their hours must fit school schedules and adhere to child-labor laws.

White said at least 50 percent of their earnings must be used to pay fines and court costs. Many teens in other counties' Respect Yourself programs have chosen to turn over a larger percentage, she said.

"A lot of young offenders come out of jail with a $500 debt hanging over their heads," said Pat Brey, director of the Family Resource Center.

It's hard enough for adults to dig themselves out of financial holes, Brey said. The task becomes even more difficult for children.

"The last thing we want is for them to go out and steal or worse in order to pay a fine," Brey said.

During the 100-hour period the employer has the same supervisory power over the teen as they do over any other employee, including the right to fire them.

Once the 100 hours are complete, the employer has the option of hiring the teen permanently.

The program tracks the youth for at least a year after completing the program through telephone calls, personal visits and school contacts.

abuchanan@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160