What Are the Secrets of the Israeli Model in the Field of Youth at Risk?

Even though the answer is complex, not a straight answer like a cooking recipe, without any doubt we can point out some guidelines that show evidence of a successful track record.

Collaboration as the pillar of the Israeli approach

There is a Youth at Risk national program called “360.” The program, as its name implies, assumes that the challenges are not confined to one specific field, and it aims to tackle them from every direction with a comprehensive perspective.

Six government ministries have joined forces to implement it: the Ministry of Welfare and Social Services leads as the comprehensive body for the program, and the Ministry of Education co-operates with the program in different parts of the country. The Ministry of Health, Immigrant & Absorption, Internal Security and Economy & Industry all take part in the program and its implementation. In addition, the Affiliate Program, the Local Government Center and JDC Israel participate in its implementation.

One of the principles of the planning and implementation is:

“The children at the center: inter-ministerial management and the pooling of resources depending on the needs of children in different communities.”

Ms. Mimi Ackerman, Head of Training for the 360 Program, explained that succeeding at this inter-ministerial collaboration depends on making decisions based on data, and that good data collection is one of the principles behind their success.

There is always a “second chance”

When getting to know the Israeli approach and its different programs, you will hear time and again: “this is the second and last chance.” At first, this catches your attention, because you assume that a specific program, model or approach might be the last resource available to reach these “youngsters” before they are lost. Little by little, though, you realize that this is also one of the secrets of the model: no child is left behind; there is always a “second and last chance.”

The professionals' passion, and the resources the model offers, are such that there is always a further “second chance” suited to the child or young person, aiming to respond to some of their needs and to empower their strengths. You can visit programs inside schools, outside schools, in informal education, vocational education, “tailor-made” education, government programs, local-authority programs, NGO programs, and so on — and you will always find one more “chance.”

Behind all these efforts lies a simple idea: “It is not my responsibility how this child came under my care, but it is my responsibility how he is going to be when he leaves.” This is a powerful statement, one that takes responsibility for the child. It doesn't matter what happened until now — from now on, I will make things better.

Here is an inspiring TED talk that explains the importance of our impact, and of the relationships we build with young people.

The three Ss

A Significant Adult, Something to do and learn, and Space. These three things are fundamental components in tackling the challenges young people face.

First, the presence — or at least the reference point — of an adult who can serve as a role model. Most of these children and young people come from a place where this figure doesn't exist, or where it exists in a negative form. This role model gives the child values, normative behavior, and emotional support.

The second S refers to the fact that these young people often carry a great deal of potential that goes unfulfilled; the only thing we need to do is “open the door” and let it out. What's more, sometimes the only available “escape valve” is vandalism, which is nothing more than a way of “doing something” — just not in the right way.

Finally, Space: young people need a place to be, to express themselves. If we want to help them, we need to understand their needs, and the best way to do that is to give them space — a term I use both literally and emotionally. The 360 program offers a range of approaches, but in all of them young people are given space to express themselves and to experiment. Two good examples that clearly reflect this idea: the Youth Café organized by the Jerusalem Municipality downtown, which offers a safe place where they feel secure and receive support and informal guidance. The second is SAJI — a youth movement in low-income neighborhoods, where youth at risk find their place in the evenings, and which also helps families in need.

These guidelines reflect how Israel chooses to face the challenges of Youth at Risk, from the policy level down to an emotional understanding of these young people. It is a big challenge, and it is a worldwide one. I hope we will continue to join efforts in order to overcome these challenges and support our children and young people — it is our responsibility.