Nature and Purpose
Spectrum Boys Unit is a detention facility for males ages 12-20 who are involved with the courts or who have been committed to the Department of Youth Services. The program provides all the basic needs of food, housing and security. There is also an educational component designed to meet immediate needs, and a recreational program consisting of sports, outdoor recreation, movies, and games. 

Regular rap sessions and general house meetings round out the programs. It needs to be emphasized that Spectrum Boys Unit is a secure detention facility, and security is our first priority. Moreover, since our clients are juveniles, confidentiality is essential. Students should never provide last names, phone numbers, or mailing addresses to our clients. Finally, volunteers are never to discuss the details of any court case with a client.

Tasks 
Students will be able to work in several areas of the program: 

a. Educational Program: as tutors for individual residents, participating in group discussions and daily classroom activities. The residents attend classes in reading, writing, math, life skills, etc. every day from 9:00AM-2:45PM.

b. At other times, students could spend time on the floor interacting with residents, providing appropriate role models and participating in the activities of the day. 

c. Organize a small group activity based on a particular talent and integrate it into the existing schedule (arts and crafts, music, drama, etc.). 

Initially, all students will attend an orientation seminar (one hour during the first week of work) that will involve a thorough discussion of the precise nature of Challenge, provide some basic information on the Juvenile Justice System and on the Department of Youth Services, and will begin to touch on the issues particular to this setting (i.e. its short term nature, security, etc.). A follow-up individual meeting will be held within a week to finalize schedules, confirm expectations, and to sign the Learning Work Agreements.

Time Requirement 
We seek 3-4 mature, responsible students who will make a commitment of at least one (preferably two) semesters. Students will have the choice of working two part-time shifts (3-4 hrs) or one full shift (8 hrs/week). These may be scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm. Need is greater for daytime tutors. 

Supervisor
Bill Cribben 

Address
Spectrum Boys Unit
423 Harvard Street 
Dorchester, MA 02124 
Tel.: (617) 282-6300 or (617) 282-7112 

Council Member:   Rachel Holt