Fort Smith Police launch S.H.I.E.L.D. program to help troubled youth

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by Tina Alvey Dale ([email protected]) ago 0 views 

The Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) has launched the Shield Our Youth initiative, a new community-driven program designed to prevent juvenile crime. The program aims to address community challenges and promote positive developmental outcomes.

Shield Our Youth (SOY) serves as a clearinghouse and collaborative effort to connect troubled youth and their families with existing community resources in Fort Smith, said Aric Mitchell, FSPD public information officer.

“It is not a standalone program but a unifying initiative to streamline communication and coordination among organizations like Comprehensive Juvenile Services, Boys and Girls Club, Fort Smith Public Schools, and others,” Mitchell said.

Key elements of the program include:
• A centralized website featuring a community strategy map, mentorship opportunities and resources for families and organizations;
• A SOY Officer, modeled after Crisis Intervention Officers, focused on diverting youth from the justice system by addressing behavioral, mental health and substance abuse issues; and,
• Mentorship development, supported by partnerships with local businesses offering incentives and connections to organizations in need of volunteers.

“Families and mentors can engage through the website, complete surveys to outline needs or willingness to assist and be directed to the appropriate resources,” Mitchell said.

The program’s two primary goals are to educe juvenile crime rates in Fort Smith by addressing root causes, such as home life challenges, peer influences, and behavioral health issues, and lower recidivism rates by intervening early and providing sustained mentorship and support to youth at risk of falling back into the justice system.

“Additionally, the initiative aims to foster stronger community collaboration, ensuring that existing programs operate efficiently and cohesively while increasing awareness of available resources,” Mitchell said.

The SOY initiative is modeled after successful initiatives in areas such as Crisis Intervention Units, where targeted support has significantly diverted individuals from the justice system, he said. While not a direct replication of another program, the principles of SOY align with established best practices, such as proactive community collaboration to identify and address individual needs and early intervention models proven to reduce recidivism in both juveniles and adults.

“The program is built on the recognition that similar efforts, while present in Fort Smith, lacked coordination. By centralizing efforts and leveraging the expertise of multiple organizations, SOY fills a critical gap,” Mitchell said. “Early intervention prevents at-risk youth from engaging in criminal activity.”

Through its guiding principles—Service, Honor, Integrity, Education, Legacy, Dedication— the program also encourages youth to adopt values that foster personal and community growth. Residents who are interested in becoming mentors or those in need of guidance can learn more and sign up through our dedicated surveys available on the program’s webpage.