Game Changer: Oceanside Youth Partnership (OYP

GAME CHANGER GAME CHANGER GAME CHANGER Oceanside Youth Partnership (OYP)

By Kristi Hawthorne

The Oceanside Youth Partnership (OYP) is a character building and mentoring program designed for juveniles. This 12-week program was put in place by the Oceanside Police Department in order to reach and help “at risk youth”. The OYP program helps to reduce juvenile delinquency, lower recidivism, and offers alternatives to street gangs, substance abuse, and perhaps a life trapped in the criminal justice system. Kids are referred by the School District, counselors, Interfaith, and the District Attorney’s office. The participants then go through a selection process that includes a personal interview and a parental interview. They want to see a “buy in” from both parents and the youth. Lt. Taurino Valdovinos, with OPD Investigations Division, said for years the focus had been on the enforcement of law, but he and his fellow officers wanted to focus on prevention and intervention. They saw what some other agencies were doing with a police athletic team, and a sheriff department’s program called RESPECT. OPD officers came up with a program that was fully supported by command staff, chief and captains, as well as the Oceanside Police Officers’ Association. The Oceanside Youth Partnership has become a “game changer” in the way youth and law enforcement interacts. The OYP program is focused on “at risk” kids but also borderline kids who might have issues at school and/ or home. The officers wanted to make a positive

impact in the lives of the youth enrolled, and they seek to establish quality relationships between kids and police. Because of this, officers do not wear their uniforms during their encounters. Sessions have 10 to 15 kids, who are typically high school sophomores and juniors. Six officers from Neighborhood Policing all share the responsibilities and each has a role. Each week of the program, the lesson plan focuses on different values, such as Personal Responsibility, Ethics, Service, Perseverance, Education, Courage, Trustworthiness, and Discipline. The Oceanside Police Department partners with the Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside, who allow them to use their facilities free of charge. It’s a neutral meeting ground for both the kids and the cops. This partnership with OPD and BGCO then in turn spawned a Leadership Program, which has had its own successes. At group sessions the students learn about current events, their horizons are expanded beyond themselves, and they play a version of the game of Life, making choices for the future and considering their finances. Physical fitness is emphasized through sports and gym activities. In addition, OYP Officers provide the experience of different cuisines, exposing students to new foods by taking them to local restaurants or having food catered. On another spectrum, there are youth who sometimes only get one meal a day, the one provided at school. After sessions the Officers encourage the kids to take home food served at the meetings. The OYP Team brings in guest speakers from various walks of life, introducing the students to positive role models, including businessmen and women, athletes, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and professors from area colleges. The Officers have seen firsthand how the program can make a difference on those who are invested. One young man asked a Winter 2020 | www.oceansidechamber.com

reformed gang member who came to talk, “How do I get out?” He was looking for honest answers and a life apart from gangs. He was invested. Students are also taken on field trips to a variety of locations including MCRD, the Oceanside Harbor, IFLY and more. Then there’s the morgue…this particular field trip has a profound impact on young men and women when they contemplate the finality of death, and the impact choices can have on themselves and their families. After the program is completed, the OYP Team holds a graduation party. Parents and families are invited and it’s then the kids see the officers in uniform for the first time. OPD Officers are encouraged by the results of the program. Long term relationships are being established and mentorships developed. Graduates

of the OYP program have a sense of self-worth and community, along with the necessary skills to make good decisions to improve their lives, which will have a ripple effect on others around them. When our youth succeed, we all share in their success. The officers involved in the OYP Program are to be commended to their commitment to our youth and students congratulated for their personal achievements. This program is in need of financial support and donations. The OYP Team provides donations of new clothing, field trip experiences, raffle items, food and catering sessions, and gift certificates. Donations are made through the Oceanside Police Officers Association, a 501c3 charitable organization. If you want to help, please contact Ashley Sanchez at 760- 435-4440 or via ASanchez@oceansideca.org

OYP Purpose

OYP is a character building and mentoring program designed for teenage youth. The 12-week program aims to reduce juvenile delinquency, lower recidivism, and offer alternatives to street gangs, substance abuse, and a life trapped in the criminal justice system. Each week the lesson plan focuses on a different value such as Personal Responsibility, Ethics, Service, Perseverance, Education, Courage, Trustworthiness, and Discipline. Additionally, the program is used as a means to developing meaningful relationships between youth and the Police Officers in their community.

OYP Process

Participants are selected from referrals received through partnering organizations. These organizations include the North Coastal Health & Human Services Agency, OUSD, the City of Oceanside Neighborhood Services, Oceanside Boys & Girls Club and other community partners. Once referred, individuals go through a selection process that includes a personal interview and a parent interview. If deemed fit, the individual is selected to participate in the program.

OYP Mission Statement

Our mission is to build meaningful relationships with the youth of Oceanside that will inspire and guide them towards positive life choices.

OYP Vision Statement

Working with our community partners, OYP will provide mentorship and life skills to the youth of Oceanside that will better prepare them to live productive lives.

OYP Contact Information

Lieutenant Taurino Valdovinos | (760) 435-4716 | tvaldovinos@ci.oceanside.ca.us