The Iowa Aftercare Program is located in Sioux City, IA and serves the counties in the Northwest area of Iowa.  There are currently two employees in this office.  The Manager is Jeffrey R. Johnson.  He attended the University of South Dakota where he studied Criminal Justice.  He is a Certified Counselor in the State of Iowa.  The Reunification Worker is Christopher Jones. 

He attended Drake University and the University of South Dakota where he studied Criminal Justice.  He is also a Certified Counselor in the State of Iowa.
           

The Aftercare Program works with juveniles prior to, during, and after placement.  The following services are provided:

1. Individual Counseling:  This occurs once per week in the aftercare worker’s office or in the boy’s home.  Counseling focuses on positive communication, problem solving and skill development.  The primary focus is on individual support and guidance in the areas of school performance, behavior, interpersonal relationships, internal control development and problem solving skills.
2. Group Counseling:  This occurs once per week in the aftercare worker’s office.  Counseling focuses on problem solving skills, positive communication, family issues, peer pressure, sexuality, etc.
3. Family Support:  This will include one to two family meetings per month to review the boy’s needs and the family’s expectations.  The aftercare worker will also assist in developing and enforcing logical consequences for negative behavior.  This also includes crisis intervention to help resolve conflicts between the parents and the boy.  In addition, the aftercare worker will provide community support when needed.  A third component to the family support piece is parenting classes for the parents willing to participate.  The Aftercare Program will also provide support groups, counseling and will help in developing techniques effective for dealing with unacceptable behaviors.
4. Additional Services:  These will include developing recreational opportunities, extra-curricular activities, educational support/contacts, employment opportunities/skills, and community based support groups.  The community based support services will fit the needs of each individual.

The Aftercare Program is a deterrent, not an answer, to recidivism.  Its purpose is to reintegrate the juvenile back into the family and the community and to provide support and guidance in a number of areas as already described.  The goal is to have the boys successfully maintained in the home with as few court related services as possible.