One of our most successful programs here at Southwest Key is Youth Tracking Services (YTS), part of a 20-year partnership with the state of Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice. Youth Tracking Services is a community-based alternative to detention program for pre-adjudicated youth of all ages that typically lasts 30 to 60 days.  

You might be wondering, “What does ‘pre-adjudicated youth’ actually mean?” Well, adjudication in the juvenile justice system is similar in concept to conviction in the criminal justice system. Youth are generally referred to the program as a result of charges being filed against them. The Youth Tracking Services program utilizes daily face-to-face and telephone contacts, as well as 24-hour electronic GPS monitoring to keep youth and their community safe. 

-Stephanie Davis Williams, Regional Executive Director — Georgia

The program is designed to allow youth to remain in their homes, communities and schools instead of detention and to prevent delinquent and destructive behavior while waiting to return to court.  

In addition to the 24/7 electronic GPS monitoring, this program features at least one daily face-to-face and one daily telephone meeting per youth. During these meetings, program staff utilize motivational interviewing techniques and strengths-based language to draw out the youth’s internal motivations and desire for change. 

Being part of Southwest Key’s umbrella of Youth and Family Services has its own benefits too. Thanks to our generous employees, we can share gifts from the Employee Giving fund to help families in need that are already receiving services. 

We believe that children and youth are our future and that they deserve to stay with their families and communities during these stressful times in their lives. While countless families have stayed resilient during an exceptionally stressful year, we’re ready and eager to help them open the doors to opportunity together.