Reentry Program
FLY’s Reentry Program is designed for youth who are in longer term incarceration in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. In both counties, youth in custody attend a 12-week legal education course taught by FLY staff. In San Mateo County, youth also receive intensive one-on-one support from FLY after their release to help with their transition back into the community. For more information in San Mateo County, contact LIzbeth Martinez, liz@flyprogram.org or 650-518-9992. For information in Santa Clara County, contact Tina Tellez-Pinon, tina@flyprogram.org or 408-504-1832.
Middle School Law Program
FLY’s Middle School Law Program, which is largely adapted from FLY’s nationally recognized Law Program for high school-aged youth, is an 8- to 12-week Law Related Education (LRE) and life skills course that uses role-play, debates, and group discussion to capture the interest of middle school-aged youth, educate them about the law and the consequences of crimes, and build skills like anger management, problem solving, communication, and resisting negative peer pressure. Highly trained volunteers and FLY staff teach the course in teams of 1-2, developing rapport with youth and giving them access to positive role models. The course covers a range of topics, including theft, vandalism, bullying, drugs and alcohol, decision making, Proposition 21, and gangs. The program takes place at selected schools in Santa Clara County. For more information, contact Felicia Cantu, felicia@flyprogram.org or 669-234-2465.
System Reform Efforts
FLY is proud to be a part of a collaborative effort that has seen a 77% reduction of juvenile incarceration in Santa Clara County and a 65% reduction in San Mateo County since 2000.
Known for finding creative solutions to complex systems problems, FLY is often invited to the table to participate and collaborate in system reform efforts in our established jurisdictions. We actively participate in several juvenile justice work groups and committees.
In addition, to help our system partners maximize their effectiveness, FLY has designed workshops and focus groups in which probation youth research, analyze, and propose adaptations to juvenile justice policies and procedures. FLY has also trained and equipped alumni youth to advocate for system-involved and gang-impacted teens on a national scale.
