Ocean County Juvenile Services offers a gender-specific, juvenile detention alternative.

The program is directed by Kathryn Hopson, of the Ocean County Department of Juvenile Services. It is a joint effort with various Ocean County adolescent resources and community businesses. It is designed to inform, uplift and inspire young girls; helping them to embrace their femininity and explore their potential as women.

Court involved, at-risk females between the ages of 15 and 18 may attend.

The non-secure program presents speakers on various topics relevant to females.

After each presentation, a group discussion is held to process the information and encourage the girls to incorporate what they have learned in their daily lives.

Topics presented include the following:

• Spirituality
• Food / Table Knowledge & Etiquette
• Beauty, Skin Care / Makeup / Hair & Nail Care
• Dress, Fashion / Appropriateness / Modeling
• Education, Diploma / GED / Higher Education / Vocational Training / Job Opportunities
• Health, STI’s/ Birth Control / Gynecological & Breast Exams
• Substance Abuse
• Mental Health, Depression / Stress / PTSD
• Exercise, Dance / Aerobics / Yoga / Diet & Nutrition

Some of the local resources and businesses making presentations are; Family Planning, Ocean County Health Department,Ocean County Vocational School, Private Industry Council, St. Francis Center, Avon & Mary Kay consultants, Women’s health centers, beauty salons, local churches and dancing schools.

The meetings are held in an environment of feminine décor and comfort at Juvenile Services on Sunset Ave., Toms River. Transportation and a cold buffet for dinner are provided. The program is smoke free.

The end of the program culminates in a formal awards banquet/ball. During the banquet/ball, the girls are recognized for their efforts and accomplishments in the program, receiving certificates of completion. A parent/guardian is encouraged to attend and the girls may include an escort.

A "Cinderella Closet" (gowns and accessories) is maintained by the program for the convenience and use of the girls in the program.

After completing the program, the girls are contacted on a monthly basis for up to six months. to provide continuing support for any endeavors they may be pursuing.

The Court, Social Services Juvenile Detention, Juvenile Probation, CMO, YCM or the DYFS Court Liaison may make referrals. Referrals can also be made by any interested party of any girl at risk.

Referrals to the program should be made in writing and include the girls name, age, address and phone number, parent / guardian name and a brief reason for the referral.

Referrals should be made of girls who are experiencing school or family problems, on probation, or charged with status offenses or vop’s that do not result in additional criminal charges.

Referrals should be addressed to :

Kathryn Hopson
Juvenile Services
165 Sunset Ave.
P.O. Box 2191
Toms River, N.J., 08754
khopson@co.ocean.nj.us
 (732) 288-7713

Upon receipt of a referral, an interview is scheduled. A parent / guardian must accompany the girl for the interview. Notice of acceptance is given to the referring party, the parent / guardian and the girl.

Unexcused absences from the program are not tolerated. Absence due to illness must be verified by a physician’s note and the parent/guardian. Three absences will result in exclusion from the awards banquet/ball. More than three absences will result in dismissal from the program.

If a girl is dismissed from the program, notices of dismissal are sent to all parties who received acceptance notices.