Each year, some 3,000 youth come in contact with the juvenile justice system in Macomb County. Some are referred by law enforcement because they are accused of committing a crime. Some are sent by a school district for truancy. Others are surrendered by a parent or guardian because they simply cannot be controlled.

By the time these children reach the system, they are already in serious danger of failing school if they have not already dropped out. Most don't have a job or any real work experience. Very few enter the system with even an inkling of what their career aspirations might be.

Recognizing that today's economy makes it extremely difficult for the unskilled to find gainful employment, the Macomb County Juvenile Justice System set out to revamp the experiences and outcomes of court referred youth. The Juvenile Employment Education Program - or JEEP for short - is for court-referred youth. As they enter the program, their basic skills in reading, writing and math are tested. Next, they complete a series of computer-led tests and surveys to uncover career paths that fit their abilities and interests. This information makes it possible to tailor a variety of training options, especially for jobs where there is high demand for employees including automotive service technology, clerical workers, retail associates, food service and restaurant work and careers in healthcare.

Working with several partners - including Macomb Community College - youth who complete training modules are rewarded with certificates that can be presented to potential employers. They also receive work readiness training including how to apply for a job, how to interview, and how to keep a job.

The program also provides opportunities for youth to get involved in community service projects. For instance, adjudicated youth have raised money to provide necessities for children of active-duty military personnel. They have planted, cared for and then harvested vegetables from a garden to contribute to local soup kitchens. Today's Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center is working hard to help the youth it serves reach for a bright future for themselves.

For more information, click Juvenile Court