Youth being court ordered to complete community service and other requirements based on poor choices, isn't new to Kentucky. The need to assist youth in new strategies has been discussed and researched by multiple agencies, throughout the years.  One collaborative effort that is new and multi-dynamic to Bath County to address the needs of those youth that find themselves in the courts system, is between Bath County 4-H and Kentucky Courts of Justice.

Andrea Myers, Court Designated Worker, Marilyn Taul, Court Designated Worker, and this agent had met for hours before the program started to define program goals like: increase self esteem, goal setting, strengthen independent skills, anger management, workforce preparation, nutrition, self awareness, character education, and social skills.  Since Ky. Court Youth are being asked to take classes or get involved in efforts to improve themselves, 4-H involvement made since, based on the curriculum we have access to.  Thus far, one hour sessions in April and May focused on Anger Management and Workforce Preparation.  In June, a 4 hour session teaching diversity/inclusion, anger management, community safety, healthy cooking, vaping was conducted.  In July, another 4 hour session focused on community service, healthy cooking, sewing, and social skills will be taught.  Starting in September and every month after, one hour session will be conducted again, due to school commitment and work commitments.      

Thus far, program participants numbers are: 6 Females, 2 Males, 2 Hispanic, 6 White.  Initial evaluation of the program has resulted in: 8 stating they have learned at least 1 new skill, 5 have stated they learned how vaping can cause health issues, 4 cooking a meal themselves, for the first time, and 5 filling out a job application for the first time.