Project B.A.T.L.E.
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Project B.A.T.L.E. (Download brochure)
A comprehensive and community based approach to harassment, intimidation, bullying, teen support and enrichment.
The future of our children and young adults is the responsibility of every member of our society. They are the future.
Drug and alcohol use amongst teenagers has been and continues to be a nationwide concern. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying has become a new threat facing our youth. With this new threat comes an increased risk of criminal activity, substance abuse, poor academic performance, and in some cases – suicide.
The widespread usage of social networking and text message as a means of communication by children has caused bullying to rise to a new level of concern. Ongoing national research has concluded that many young children begin using alcohol and illicit substances at the early age of 12.
The Gloucester Township Police Department provides a number of in–school juvenile programs such as D.A.R.E. and the Society Improvement Program (Police Officer School Visitation Programs grades K–4). In response to the growing national concern of substance abuse and bullying, the Gloucester Township Police Department has launched Project B.A.T.L.E. Bullying Awareness Through Law Enforcement – A comprehensive and community based approach to harassment, intimidation, and bullying through information sharing, preparedness, and response.
Project B.A.T.L.E. entails three separate juvenile enrichment programs all administered by a licensed social worker
THE GATHERING SPACE
A Drop–In Teen Support Group, ages 13–18 (High School Students) Gloucester Township now has a place where adolescents can join together under the leadership of licensed mental health professionals to explore the issues and challenges they face each day. In a relaxed, supportive, group environment, topics like conflict resolution, addiction, bullying, stress management, friends/family communication, leadership skills and goal setting will be experienced through activities and group discussions.
The program is free and will meet every Monday from 7:00–8:30 at Pointe Arial Park Community Building, 2900 Erial Road. Anyone ages 13–18 are welcome. This program is sponsored by the Gloucester Township Police Department and the Gloucester Township Municipal Alliance.
For information call the Enrichment Information Line at 856–374–3509 or enrichment@glotwp.com
HANDSHAKES NOT HANDCUFFS
A Juvenile Support Program for Offenders Younger than 13 Handshakes Not Handcuffs is a two hour group program for children under the age of 13 who have been processed on a Station House Adjustment or referred by a parent/guardian who is seeking general guidance or assistance for their child.
The Handshakes Not Handcuffs Program will take place approximately four times per year based on need. Juveniles attending the sessions will typically be grouped by age range whenever possible. The facilitators of the program will be a licensed social worker and a Gloucester Township Police Officer. The focus of the lessons will be general human enrichment, community pride, anti–bullying, developing peer support, and substance abuse awareness.
For information call the Gloucester Township Police Juvenile Investigation Unit at 856–374–5702, 856–374–5706 or police@gtpolice.com
G.T. F.O.C.U.S.
A Juvenile Diversion Program for Minor Incident Juvenile Offenders, ages 13–17 Project B.A.T.L.E. Strategy Focus 3 involves the retention of a licensed social worker who will conduct a six week lesson for juveniles and their parent or guardian who have been processed on a Station House Adjustment for minor offenses. The six week lessons involve six subject areas:
- Getting To know each other
- Finding other choices
- Owning anger and other feelings
- Communicating within, around and about family
- Understanding drug abuse and addiction, and
- Social networking without consequences
These lessons will be one and a half hours in length over an approximate six week period. GT FOCUS will take place up to six times per year dependent upon the number of juveniles who may be required to attend.
For information call the Enrichment Information Line at 856–374–3509 or enrichment@glotwp.com