M.A.C.E.

These are quotes from parents for the MACE program

• I use to get a phone call every week with him being in trouble now I have gotten 2 phone calls this week with them telling me that he is doing good and they have seen a difference in him. Thank you!


• My child said Thank you for making dinner and he doesn't tell me to shut up anymore.


• My child is focus in staying in school and wanting to get caught up on her work. She has a goal now.


• I have seen so many changes in my child. Thank you for such an awesome program.


• I can see a difference in my children they know the consequences for taking that road now.


• The program changed my child's attitude. You can definitely see improvement.

M.A.C.E. - Making A Change Early

This is a program designed for at risk kids. The exercise will be geared toward juveniles between the ages of 13 to 17. It would be based as a scared straight program. The program will be available for citizens of Douglas County to sign their child up and for court appointed juveniles as well.

The program is a guided tour of the jail facility. It would be designed to show the juvenile the different aspects of the way inmates are treated and housed. It would also be a way for the juvenile to see the type of environment that they would be living in as an incarcerated inmate.

As the youths arrive at the jail they would be greeted at the main entry to the jail. Parents will need to be in attendance for instruction on when to return for their child. After the parents are dismissed the juveniles are met by multiple officers and properly searched for any contraband before entering the jail facility. From there the youth will be taken in to the book in area and dressed in an inmate uniform. The youth will be stripped of any jewelry, phones, and any other contraband that is not allowed in the jail.

After dressing in proper inmate attire the youth is taken through out the jail to tour living quarters. Cell blocks would be locked down during the time that the juveniles are on the floor. Juveniles will experience isolation cells, restraint chairs and/or boards.

At the end of the tour, select current inmate volunteers would be allowed to speak to the kids so they may hear first hand accounts of jail and prison life and a way to explain how they come to be in jail. After the inmate interaction the juvenile would be taken to the visitation area to visit briefly with their parents (by phone or video). Officers will then debrief the juveniles as to what they think of the MACE program in order to obtain their reactions. After the debriefing, the juvenile is dressed out, property returned and exited from the facility to the parents.

A follow up on the youth's behavior and attitude can be conducted after a few weeks of the visit and made available for court presentation as needed.