Intensive Prevention Services

The Bridge's Intensive Prevention Services (IPS) is a partnership between the Philadelphia Department of Human Services' Juvenile Justice Services Division; the Philadelphia Police Department; the Philadelphia Family Court; and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and its contracted service agencies, which aid in identifying and serving youth between 10 and 19 years of age who are at risk of penetrating the dependency and/or delinquent child welfare systems due to high-risk behaviors.

The Bridge recognizes that delinquent behavior is most often only one part of a complex problem syndrome requiring a multi-systemic intervention strategy targeting multiple risk and protective factors to ensure that change is enduring. These risk and protective factors include emotional, behavioral, familial, social, academic, vocational and desired needs. IPS is a hybrid model which consists of site- and home-based services for all youth enrolled in the program, allowing us to wrap our programming around our clients' needs.

Our Goals

IPS' goals are to build upon a youth's resiliency and sense of self-worth, help them develop an array of skills and increase their sense of responsibility. Enhancing their life skills and social, civic and employment competencies go hand in hand with positive outcomes and redirection. 

Other goals are:

  • Improving family relationships
  • Preventing risky behaviors
  • Developing drug refusal skills
  • Developing alliances
  • Reducing negativity and resistance
  • Improving communication
  • Increasing Motivation for change
  • Reducing dropout potential

Site-based Programming

Each participant is assessed for their individual needs to determine their program participation. Site-based programming takes place three to four hours each day for individual and group counseling as well as case management, academics and social development activities. The younger age group (approximately 10-13 years old) is separated from older youth (14-19 years old) and is provided with transportation to ensure safe passage to and from the program. All participants receive transportation assistance via company car or public transit tokens.

Site-based programming consists of the following components:

  • Academic support
  • Social-emotional competency building
  • Mentoring
  • Educational recreation
  • Work-ready activities
  • Community service/engagement
  • Parent involvement

Home and School-based Programming

IPS consists of home and school-based case management services to ensure the family and the youth obtain any additional supports that may be required. Youth's school participation and attendance are monitored; and families are offered individual and family counseling. Our goals for individual and family therapy include assisting at-risk youth to achieve social skills and preventing them from entry or re-entry into the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice System.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for the program, all youth referred to IPS must have experienced at least one of the following:

  • Chronically truant
  • Suspended three or more times from school or expelled in the past 12 months
  • Arrested within the past 12 months but not adjudicated
  • History of running away
  • First time infraction on school grounds

Youth who do not meet the above criteria but have a history of acting-out behaviors may merit an assessment and/or service referral. IPS will put parents/caretakers in contact with other community-based agencies, programs or Community Behavioral Health services as appropriate.

IPS is a program sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services' Juvenile Justice Services Division in collaboration with the Philadelphia Family Court, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the Philadelphia Police Department. The Juvenile Justice Services Division approves any service requests prior to individuals receiving services through the Bridge Intensive Prevention Services Program.

For referrals or to schedule an appointment, please contact:

Chris Kanyugi
Program Director
267.350.7636
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