Jump Start is an eight-week program for first-time non-violent juvenile offenders. The program is administered with juvenile probation and the court system for middle and high school level juveniles.

An adult mentor is assigned to each juvenile. The mentors are volunteers from the community and develop a rapport with the juvenile by sharing their experiences and going thru the various weekly exercises.

The juveniles meet once a week at the Saco Police Department with their mentors and focus on a specific skill each week that teaches the Five Steps of Decision Making. In addition, the juveniles discuss setting short and long term goals.

All mentors and juveniles adhere by the rules of the program which include confidentiality, the right to speak, the right to pass, and the right to be respected. Attendance and participation are a must and all juveniles must attend all weekly sessions, have no new criminal activity and complete the court requirements, such as community service, prior to the end of the eight week program.

The program is facilitated by Schools Resource Officers Michael Carrier and Monica Fahy.

The parents also participate by attending the program one night in which the juveniles facilitate. This allows an opportunity for the parents to meet with their child's mentor and participate in decision making exercises that are chosen for them by the juveniles.

The last week is "graduation" with each juvenile receiving a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor with the Jump Start Program or are interested in obtaining more information, kindly contact Officer Michael Carrier or Monica Fahy at 284-4525.

Becoming a mentor is an excellent way to make a difference in a child's life and connect with young juveniles in our local community.