VIDA
Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives (VIDA) is a structured 16-week program for non-violent, at-risk youth between the ages of eleven and seventeen. Through collaboration between the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, community-based organizations, volunteers, schools, and families, the VIDA program teaches youth the value of effective decision-making and taking responsibility for their futures.


The program originated as the dream of a group of East Los Angeles Station Deputy Sheriffs who wanted to help troubled youths and their families. Since its inception in 1996, VIDA has grown into a comprehensive re-directional program with seven locations across Los Angeles County.
The process begins with a referral from a community agency that has identified an at risk youth. Referring agencies often include courts, law enforcement, the Department of Child and Family Services, Probation Department, school districts, parents and religious institutions.
Following the interview and selection for the program, youths attend an orientation night with their families. Once the program begins, VIDA staff members conduct home and school visits during the week to monitor social behaviors, reduce truancy, and improve academic performance.
At the conclusion of the program, each participant receives a certificate of completion and is referred to other community-based programs to continue their individual goals and careers. It is the hope that VIDA students and their families will emerge with stronger bonds in place, as well as better judgment, integrity, tact, initiative, commitment, respect, and a new take on life. Several youths have gone on to participate in the YAL and Explorer Programs. After all, VIDA is life.

LOCATIONS
EAST LOS ANGELES VIDA SITE
Biscaluz Center Training Academy, 1060 N. Eastern, Los Angeles, CA 90063
Phone: (562) 716-8828
LANCASTER VIDA SITE
Lancaster Juvenile Court, 1040 West Avenue J, Lancaster, CA 93535
Phone: (661) 949-6585
PALMDALE VIDA SITE
Oaktree Learning Center, 38136 35th Street East, Palmdale, CA 93550
Phone: (661) 265-8910
SANTA CLARITA VIDA SITE
Oak Hills Elementry School, 26730 Old Rock Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Phone: (661) 964-7835
SOUTH LOS ANGELES VIDA SITE
South Los Angeles Youth Activities League, 11911 Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044
Phone: (213) 678-5753