CROSSROADS Services:

Each year thousands of children between the ages of 10 and 17 are referred to the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department for a variety of violations. Many are involved in non-violent offenses or misdemeanors, which, without intervention, could lead to more serious crimes.

Not only are many of these children in trouble with the law, but also in trouble with life. Many suffer from low self-esteem, come from backgrounds of family strife, parental alcoholism, drug abuse and even sexual abuse. Many of the parents are nowhere to be found or sometimes both parents may be in prison and these children are basically "on their own". If the parents are around, there is sometimes little or no supervision in the home.

The children are in desperate need for positive role models who can give them some direction and guidance.

Juvenile crime is a community problem that needs a community solution. CROSSROADS' solution is to match caring adult volunteers with boys and girls who are at-risk of getting into trouble or have already been in trouble.

Volunteers serve as positive role models who provide the guidance and support that have been missing in the lives of these children. Volunteers are paired with children in a one-on-one relationship that is monitored by caseworkers. The children and community all benefit from this type of positive relationship.