Authorizing the Mayor to submit to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare a grant application under Title III of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974

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For example, the Welfare Department may .refer a youth who was unsuccessful in a foster home placement. An underlying problem may be the youth's aggressive be- havior. During it's first eighteen months of operation many problems have been en- countered and resolved. In April a staff person with the Porter County Youth Ser- vice Bureau spent a day helping clarify problems and making corrections in the structure and staffing pattern. Relief counselors for the two full -time living counselors remains a critical need. This is being met with the use of volunteers. The major problem remains discipline. Residents are usually under a great deal of stress which is displayed in a variety of negative ways. Another problem is the personality conflicts, jealousies, etc., between residents, that erupt in disagreements and fights. The house rules are structured so that there is a con- sequence for negative behavior. However a number of things, such as derogatory comments, etc., are hard to deal with and often lead to trouble. Theft in the house is a problem that occurs periodically. Residents are advised to lock their valuables on the third floor. This prevents some problems, but accusations are still made. Without proof it is difficult to identify and discipline the guilty party. The bureau is fortunate to have a Youth Advisory Board. The board is com- posed of former Youth Service Bureau clients and shelter residents. They spon- sored a Christmas tree decorating party at the shelter as well as other social events. They also did some redecorating in the bedrooms. They are interested in running some peer influence group counseling sessions concentrating on middle school youth. An educational program in the middle schools discussing the rami- fications of running away is being considered for the month of April, 1978. They are an active, enthusiastic group of young people. Their input is invaluable. They benefit from the board by learning about organizational structure, group decision - making and how to implement plans.