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County Cares Commission to discuss program that helps young adults at risk

The Citizens' Voice - 8/31/2020

Aug. 31--The County Cares Commission will discuss a program aimed at stopping young adults at risk from falling back into substance abuse and criminal behavior this week.

Luzerne County Council created the commission earlier this year at the urging of Councilman Matthew Vough, who has made the fight against drug and alcohol addiction his signature issue.

At the commission's first meeting four weeks ago, Vough said the commission plans to "help anyone we can" who struggles with substance use disorder or faces homelessness.

At its second meeting on Tuesday, the commission will discuss Pennsylvania CareerLink's REAL Reentry Program.

The program serves adults from 18-24 in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties. It aims to "help justice-involved young adults overcome barriers to employment and avoid recidivism," according to a summary included in the agenda packet for the meeting.

The program model includes mentoring, training, work experience, counseling and case management. It provides "individualized services designed to offer support and enhance self-sufficiency," the summary states.

Young adults are a distinct developmental group, as they are mature but their brains are still developing, with heightened tendencies toward impulsive behavior and risk-taking, according to the summary.

People in that age group who are part of the criminal justice system are especially likely to be repeat offenders, the summary states.

The commission will also hear an overview of the county's drug treatment court from Danielle Goldowski, the court's coordinator.

Tuesday's meeting will be held remotely, via video conference, to comply with pandemic-related restrictions on public gatherings.

Instructions on how the public may watch or participate in the meeting are posted to the county website: https://www.luzernecounty.org/1282/ABC-Meetings-Online.

Contact the writer:

emark@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2117

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