AIM takes aim at juvenile recidivism

By Lyn Mettler

The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) recently awarded the Aftercare by IUPUI through Mentoring (AIM) program a $402,000 grant enabling the program to add six additional facilities to its existing three.

Roger Jarjoura of the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs started AIM in 1996 at the Plainfield Juvenile Correction Facility. AIM pairs juvenile offenders with college students and community volunteers who serve as mentors offering advice on jobs, health, education, social skills and money management. They also help each participant set goals for the future and create a re-entry plan. The program is voluntary, and youths must be leaving the facility within two to three months to participate.

After their release, AIM volunteers continue to stay in contact with the youth through phone calls, planned programs and a bi-weekly newsletter. AIM had extended its programs to the Indianapolis Juvenile Correction Facility, formerly the Indiana Girl’s School, and the Pendleton Juvenile Correction Facility. With the help of the IDOC, Jarjoura has now added facilities in Fort Wayne, Bloomington, Logansport, South Bend and LaPorte.

“To be able to provide this program to the other young men and women at all juvenile correction facilities will allow them to participate in life skills classes, mentoring groups, training, and tutoring,” said Evelyn Ridley-Turner, corrections commissioner. “This should decrease the likelihood of relapse of the juvenile offender and offer them the opportunity for a successful transition and re-integration from confinement back to their community.”

Jarjoura also found that those in the AIM program were more likely to continue their education and get a job. Twenty of the program’s participants have enrolled in IUPUI alone.

Participants who become productive citizens, work for a living and support their families will save money in welfare spending.

Jarjoura hopes to expand the program to include sites in southern Indiana.

Prospective volunteers should contact Judy Helms at 317- 261-3041.