Policing the Teen Brain™ is SFY’s signature law enforcement training program. It provides officers with insights into adolescent development and behavior, effective rapport-building, de-escalation tactics. The training connects law enforcement officers with local service providers with whom they can partner to use alternatives to arrest and address vulnerable youths’ needs with pro social supports.
SFY offers technical assistance to help law enforcement agencies build skills, policies, and partnerships with youth-serving organization at the officer and agency level. We offer a special, one-day training called In the Presence of Children to provide officers with tools and skills to keep children safe during a parent’s arrest.
SFY has developed a variety of tools to support developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, racially equitable approaches to police/youth interactions. Law enforcement officers can use our “How to…” guides and Think About it First! cards help to bridge gaps and create connections when policing youth. Our In the Presence of Children tools are designed to help improve the treatment of children at the time of a parent’s arrest.
SFY uses statistical data, surveys, interviews, and in-the-field observations to assess a law enforcement agency’s policies and practices regarding youth interactions. We also offer technical assistance to help strengthen a law enforcement agency’s approaches to working with youth, including development of model policies and recommendations for best practices.
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