Education Program for At-Risk Youth Shuts Down After 50 Years in Honolulu
One of the few alternative education programs in Honolulu aimed at helping at-risk youth avoid a path of future incarceration has closed its doors after 50 years in operation following recent enrollment declines amid fewer court referrals.
The Palama Settlement In-Community Treatment Program largely served students in the surrounding Kalihi and Palama communities who were referred by the Family Court for violations that ranged from substance abuse to minor status offenses like truancy or running away from home.
“Losing a program like this is a loss to the community,” said state Rep. Sonny Ganaden, whose district includes Kalihi Kai.
The closure comes after a challenging pandemic year for all students, not just for those already struggling in a regular academic environment. While it wasn’t the only program to offer youth counseling services — Adult Friends for Youth is another one — Palama’s service stood out for its partnership with the court system and coordination with the state Department of Education to help students recoup academic credit.
Read more: https://www.civilbeat.org/2021/06/education-program-for-at-risk-youth-shuts-down-after-50-years-in-honolulu/