JOLT: Juveniles' Options for Lifelong Transitions 
 

Second Chance launched a major new initiative in 2009 to reach and serve the county's incarcerated youth.  Second Chance was awarded two multi-year grants from the San Diego County Probation Department and the San Diego Workforce Partnership for the JOLT Program.  

Second Chance staff delivers services at the East Mesa and Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facilities' Youth Offender Units.  Staff also serve juveniles at Kearny Mesa's Girls Rehabilitation Facility.

JOLT provides intensive rehabilitation counseling and cognitive behavior training group classes to incarcerated youthful offenders (ages 16-21). Second Chance staff members begin working with the youth while they are in detention to prepare them for release back into the community. Staff provides case management and community support services for the youth upon their release and through the term of their probation.

Like the workforce training class, the cognitive behavior training group classes seek to teach new social skills, stronger personal values, and ways to manage anger and aggression. The combination of individual rehabilitation counseling, group classes and community support are focused on addressing each individual's risks and needs. These include:

  • Criminal thinking
  • Substance abuse
  • Gang involvement
  • Trauma from abuse and violence
  • Poverty
  • Low level reading and writing skills
  • Family break-ups
  • Mental health needs

Once released from incarceration, these youth are provided with support services and they may choose to continue their relationship with Second Chance with the workforce training program or PREP program. Prior to release the JOLT staff, in consultation with the youth, their parents, the custody staff and the community probation officers, create a re-entry and transition plan for the youth.  Everyone works together to determine the best transition path for each youth.  They may choose to continue their education, join the STRIVE program, pursue vocational training or seek employment.

Any youth (age 16-21) on probation in San Diego can access the JOLT team's support as they transition back to the community. Youth in the Youth Offenders Units are automatically offered JOLT services. Youth on probation (or scheduled for probation) may apply for the transitional advocate services by contacting Judi Patterson. Youth may also be referred by parents or social service providers.