Youth Diversion Program adopts new approach to life skills classes

To shake things up for the Youth Diversion Program, Kassie Nolting, the Youth Diversion director, is bringing in guest speakers during the life skills classes to speak on their experiences and help the students choose a safer path.

The first guest speakers in the life skills class were Megan McCoy and Bobbi Douglas. They told of their recovery stories and process of what brought them to the recovery. According to Nolting, "Participants were very engaged and influenced by their narratives. Take[a]ways included: addiction can happen to anyone; recovery doesn't happen overnight and isn't permanent unless you work at it; no matter how attractive substance use may seem in the moment, it's never worth the consequences that it can lead to." 

Youth Diversion is a program designed for first-time youth offenders. Through the completion of the program, they will be able to avoid a court record. This program, according to Nolting, promotes positive behaviors among youth, teaches them the importance of maintaining good grades and teaches them how the judicial system operates. Youth are required to attend life skills classes, maintain good attendance and grades at school, take part in community service, participate in weekly check-ins, submit to random drug testing and adhere to a curfew during the program.

The youth in the life skills classes will learn how to set boundaries within relationships, practice honesty and compassion, heal from anger and learn how to deal with it, as well as learn how to think in a recovery context. "The goal is to help the youth attain safety in their relationships, thinking, behavior and emotions," Nolting said. During these classes, guest speakers come in and will either talk about their journey or will tell the youth about things they could do when they graduate.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the guest speaker was Staff Sergeant Wesley Short. He spoke with the youth about the National Guard. He discussed basic training as well as the different skills available in the Guard.

Other life skill classes will include presenters from the Wyoming Boys' School, Oxbow Center and Guardian Flight on the dangers of vaping.

The Washakie County Youth Alternatives Diversion program is funded mostly through the Community Juvenile Services Board grant from the Wyoming Department of Family Services. There are, however, some contributions from the City of Worland, Washakie County and some private donations. 

Nolting has been the director of the Youth Diversion Program since May.

Nolting has always wished to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young adults. "If we can help youth get on the right track when they are young, they have a chance to become productive, contributing members of our community," Nolting said. It is her goal to be able to assist in addressing community safety issues and create a more stable and safe community. Additionally, she is dedicated to helping young people find value in and motivation for leading healthier lifestyles. 

"The core of the program is still the same, but we are trying this new approach to life skills classes to help students feel more engaged than they did with the previous curriculum," Nolting said. "By bringing in real life experiences, we hope the classes can be more personable and impactful."