ANTELOPE VALLEY, Calif. -- One local program is working with at-risk youth to teach them to make better life choices and take responsibility for their future.
The program, known as VIDA academy, has been hosted by the LA County Sheriff's Department for the past 21 years.
It is a 16-week program designed to redirect youth with issues like defiance, anger, failing grades, and substance abuse.
"We help kids that are at risk and parents that are struggling with their relationships with their children. Vida in Spanish means life, and that's exactly what we do. We give a little life to the families that are struggling,” said Deputy Veronica Ramirez, of the Lancaster Sheriff's Station.
VIDA incorporates physical fitness, impulse control, and life skill training, along with emotional management techniques, and parent-teen and conflict resolution. Participants meet with deputies every Saturday for eight hours, as well as with their parents during the week.
While it is a lot of work, deputies say that it is worth it.
"The kids that come in, a lot of the time, have severe issues and have broken relationships with their parents, are very distrustful of adults in their life. It's cool to see as the program goes on and we're able to confront them about their problems but also help them with those problems, that those relationships change a lot,” said Deputy Micah Currado, of the Lancaster Sheriff's Station.
VIDA is an opportunity for kids ages 11 to 17 to work with law enforcement to create positive influences. If you feel you know someone that might benefit from the program, they are currently accepting applications.
"Currently, Lancaster VIDA program is holding information nights every Thursday at 5 o'clock at our office 1040 West Avenue J, at the Juvenile Courthouse. We do have our August class coming up, so if they want to get involved in the August class, they need to contact us as soon as possible,” said Ramirez.
You can also find out more information by calling the Lancaster Sheriff's Station.