MSU Adolescent Diversion Program (ADP) is a two semester service-learning program operating in conjunction with Michigan State University and Ingham County Probate Court. The aim of this program is to divert adolescents in legal jeopardy from the juvenile justice system. Undergraduates receive ten weeks of intensive training in various intervention theory and techniques (Positive youth development, Social learning theory, Ecological perspective, Trauma informed care and Social emotional learning). These techniques and skills are associated with the MSU ADP intervention process such as 1) Strength based primary and secondary assessment techniques, 2) implementation of the specific intervention strategies, 3) monitoring and troubleshooting, and 4) termination strategies. Other techniques used to foster trust and confidence with the youth 1) empathy training, 2) conflict resolution 3) crisis management 4) emotional expression 5) confidentiality, 6) positive reinforcement and 7) creative thinking. Student will also have to write mid-intervention reports, termination reports, and thought papers in APA (American Psychological Association) format. Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge through readings, quizzes, role-play exercises, group discussions, and reflection. Jasmine’s performance in the classroom was outstanding. She performed exceptionally well in role-play exercises and on quizzes. Additionally, her verbal and written expressions were very empathic and constructive. Jasmine’s academic performance throughout the first term was excellent. She consistently demonstrated her knowledge of the training material and received a 4.0 for her work during this portion of the class. Additionally, she actively participated in class discussion; her questions and comments were insightful and revealed her solid understanding of the class material.

The aim of this rigorous program is to develop in students’ skills pertinent for working with juveniles and their families in a community setting. Once assigned a case, the student works with his or her youth six to eight hours a week, for a period of eighteen weeks, applying the intervention techniques learned from training. In conjunction with this, students attend small weekly group supervision sessions where they receive feedback on their case.

The first term of this course sequence provides students with intensive training in the intervention theories and techniques of behavior modification and youth advocacy. This portion of the course entails formal academic skills on the student's part.