First Time Offender Program

Since its start in 1995 through the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services, People Inc.’s First Time Offenders Program has been recognized for its role in helping youth in Sequoyah, Adair, and Cherokee counties make positive changes. The program has an outstanding success rate, with most participants avoiding repeat offenses after completion.

About the Program

The First Time Offenders Program provides an alternative to incarceration for juveniles who have committed a first-time misdemeanor or non-violent felony.

Referrals come from:

• Juvenile Services Unit

• Municipal courts

• Schools

• Other community resources

The program offers youth the opportunity to benefit from a psychoeducational and rehabilitative approach designed specifically for first-time offenders.

Eligibility

Participants must:

• Be under the age of 18

• Have committed a first-time misdemeanor or non-violent felony

• Be referred by an approved source (court, school, or community resource)

Program Structure

Youth and their parents/guardians attend 12 hours of group sessions focused on education, prevention, and positive skill development.

Core topics include:

• Conflict resolution

• Self-awareness & emotional regulation

• Coping skills & stress management

• Communication & healthy relationships

• Family systems

• Making smart choices

• Substance abuse awareness

• Values & cultural awareness

• Understanding the juvenile justice system

Commitment to Privacy

At People Inc., we take participant privacy and confidentiality seriously. The program is governed by strict federal laws and regulations to protect records and ensure participants feel safe sharing openly in sessions.

Confidentiality builds trust—an essential element in the success of the program.

Community Recognition

The Sequoyah County Times reported that an Oklahoma Association of Youth Services audit praised People Inc. for:

• Strong dedication to the community

• An active and engaged Board of Directors

• A highly qualified, energetic staff

• Excellent documentation of services

• Ongoing community involvement and support

We know how important it is to the programs' success that all participants and their family members feel confident and secure in knowing that they are able to discuss all matters and speak freely without hesitation or fear of confidentiality breach. As reported by the Sequoyah County Times, an Oklahoma Association of Youth Services audit of People Inc. states that: "People Inc. shows a high degree of dedication to the community it serves. An active Board of Directors, a dedicated energetic Executive Director, qualified and energetic staff, and community involvement and support are ongoing agency strengths. The agency staff does a good job of documenting the services they provide to area youth in all programs. In addition, the functions of board governance are very well documented. Congratulations on the excellent services provided by your agency to the children and youth of our state."

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