The Department of Public Welfare has unveiled a statewide mentorship pilot program that will help troubled teens from the North Central Secure Treatment Unit in Danville, Montour County, to transition safely and successfully back into the community.
 
The North Central Secure Treatment Unit is designed to provide structure and therapy for young women ages 12 to 21. The girls are court-ordered to the facility to complete a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
 
In 2009, the Centers for Rural Pennsylvania reported 19 percent of Pennsylvania teen offenders returned to the court system at least once. The mentorship program will connect troubled teens with an adult mentor in their community, and will assist them with a variety of life skills that will help them readjust to life outside of juvenile detention.
 
Mentors for the program receive training on skills for building appropriate and supportive relationships and various methods to help a teenager transition back into society. After training is complete, mentors are matched with a teenager from their hometown or community.
 
If you are interested in becoming a mentor for this program, more information is available by calling 717-787-1302.