Curriculum

The curriculum includes topics such as building self-esteem; how to deal with peer pressure; anger management and decision making; communication skills; relationships with family members, friends, figures of authority; culture and diversity; violence and gangs; the effects of drugs and alcohol, job seeking and financial planning, legal issues and ethics. Teens also learn about the resources available in their community. 

 Program Objectives

Bridging the Gap has three primary objectives:

1) Students complete the program

2) Students further their education

3) Students do not re-offend

We also work to stabilize the family and youth through the crises of arrest and court appearances, and then work with them to address the factors that led to the arrest.

Partnerships

The Salvation Army’s Bridging the Gap program works collaboratively with state and local community agencies - District Attorney's offices, law enforcement, juvenile probation offices, Department of Youth Services (DYS), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), schools, the corrections system, and volunteers. Together we create a strong network of services aimed at keeping youth on track by keeping them engaged and focused.

Youth referred by the District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion program will have their criminal records cleared upon graduation. Our doors and services remain open to Bridging the Gap participants.