Turning around teens with FLIP

FONTANA - Parents of troubled teens have the aid of a new program that could help set the youths straight.

The Fontana Unified School District and the Fontana Police Department have joined forces to launch the Fontana Leadership Intervention Program, or FLIP, a youth intervention program that aims to instill accountability and discipline in youth headed down the wrong path.

The first class of 25 students recently completed the 16-week course. Students were in the class by school or parent referrals or by order of the juvenile courts, said Sgt. Billy Green, a police spokesman.

"These kids are what we call our line-walker kids," Green said. "They're making some poor decisions. We've identified if they continue on their path, their chances of graduating from high school are going to be very slim."

Youth enrolled in the class typically have behavior or academic issues, Green said. FLIP works to build character through education, exercise drills and by establishing accountability, Green said.

Students must meet with either a city or district police officer stationed at each of the district's middle and high schools for 15 minutes every day before school starts.

They must show the officer they completed their homework and also present progress reports from teachers. Officers provide encouragement, help students get tutoring if it's needed or talk with them about any behavioral issues mentioned by teachers.

class is held each Saturday during the 16 weeks that focuses on gang and drug prevention, anger management, physical fitness, discipline, English and writing skills, Green said.

Goal setting is also a pillar of the program. Students are asked to think of career and education goals, and the program connects them with resources to help accomplish those goals. Police, firefighters and military recruiters speak with students about careers.

"We straightened up our attitudes, brought up grades and the (FLIP) gave us a lot of discipline," student Alec Garcia said.

Fontana Unified School District parents interested in enrolling their child in the Fontana Leadership Intervention Program may contact Fontana Police Officer Brian Binks at 909-854-8013 or jbinks@fontana.org .

Source: http://www.contracostatimes.com