Our Programs - Shoplifting Prevention Program
"The most helpful part was the security man who explained how shoplifting hurts my community." Juvenile
Program Design
The program was developed for youth who have received a ticket for shoplifting. The program is held on the first and second Tuesday each month from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Day One
Youth work on:
- Self-awareness. Taking responsibility for their behavior. Activities include the use of "I" statements, taking the group through their experience, and developing a group definition of shoplifting.
- Social awareness. Learning and understanding who the victims of shoplifting are and the potential consequences to the different victim groups. Parents are given an exercise that allows them to communicate how their child's actions impacted the family, and how trust can be rebuilt.
- Responsible decision-making, including activities related to values, pros and cons, and positive problem solving.
Youth are given two homework assignments that are due the following Tuesday.
- Positive Problem Solving.
- Convincing Others Not to Steal.
"Most helpful was 1). Small group - accountability, 2). Values exercise. 3). Excellent facilitation - honest, informative, caring, but not enabling." Parent
Day Two
We begin by going through homework activities. This includes youth orally presenting activities followed with a discussion.
Youth and their guardian will meet with a local store merchant/manager or loss prevention officer.
- Youth begin by stating their first name, what they stole, and what store they stole from.
- Loss prevention officers and store merchants/managers are the key in helping youth understand the long-reaching ripple effects of shoplifting: how stealing can hurt employees, businesses, and consumers.
"The most helpful part was the security man who explained how shoplifting hurts my community." Juvenile
Youth and their guardian will meet with a volunteer juvenile justice official.
- Youth begin by stating their first name, what they stole, and what store they stole from.
- The volunteer community members are the key in helping youth first understand how their actions affect their futures, and their relationships. Helping youth to go further than the action can help youth change their behaviors and strive to make healthy decisions.
"The most helpful part of the program was the guest speakers." Juvenile
"The most helpful part of the program was the juvenile detention director, and personally the Personal Values exercise helped me understand a little more how to help him better base his decisions." Parent
Volunteer Service
The last component of the Shoplifting Prevention Program is Volunteer Service. Youth who are of legal driving age are able to choose from a group activity or another service project they are interested in. Youth who are unable to drive are able to choose from the group activity, or an activity that will help their immediate family or neighborhood.
Examples of youth volunteer work:
- A benefit breakfast
- Graffiti and neighborhood cleanup
- Working with animals
- Local nonprofit agencies
- Art work
- Working at local shelters
"I learned that is was better to help my community then to take away from it." Juvenile
"I think she realized serving others has or is a rewarding feeling in itself, and she had a good time too." Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
- The fee for the Shoplifting Prevention Program is $35.00. Financial assistance is available.
- You can make referrals by calling our office at 541-2756.
- We encourage parents, legal guardians or adult supporters attend the program.
- CRJ receives youth referrals from Missoula Youth Court.
- Youth are required to attend and participate in both nights of class, complete home assignments and the volunteer service activity.
| Below: A group of us worked in the kitchen at the Poverello Center. The Poverello Center is a nonprofit organization that has helped the homeless for 35 years. Being able to help those who do so much for our Montana community members was an amazing experience for the youth volunteers and our staff. | ||
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