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Nueces County Juvenile Justice Department gets 100K for mental health resources

Director of Juvenile Probation for Nueces County Homer Flores said he is looking forward to smaller counties with limited resources having access to these services.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Texas Juvenile Department is awarding the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Department with a $103,000 grant that will serve sixty juveniles on probation with mental health services. 

Director of Juvenile Probation for Nueces County Homer Flores said he is looking forward to smaller counties with limited resources having access to these services. 

"Drug counseling, behavior, anger management. It depends on what the assessment would prove out that what the needs are of this particular kid and or family," he said. "Keep in mind, when we say 'wraparound' it's not just centered around the kid, it's centering on the unit, and who that child lives with."

San Patricio, Duval, and Calhoun are just a few of the counties where families will be able to benefit from this program.

Claudia Ikon is a mental health supervisor who works closely with Flores. She said what's nice about this particular grant is the access to alternative therapy.

"Prosocial activities, like if the kid wants to play soccer, football or baseball, we can also incorporate that. Because many times, that's what's lacking and then they end up falling into some of these other at-risk behaviors," she said. 

One organization that works year-round to keep youth entertained and structured are the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend. 

"We have something for both boys and girl which teach them to be both responsible adults and make positive choices in their life," said CEO of the Boys and Girls Club Kim Barrientos. 

Barrientos told 3NEWS that the Boys and Girls Club offers numerous activities and programs that help youth gain life experience that they can take with them. 

"And they also feel a sense of belonging when they come to the club. And they typically grow very close to the mentors and the staff," she said.  

The Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend is currently working on a grant so the club can offer it's services to the juvenile detention center. In order for the club to continue to provide programs and scholarships to youth in need, residents can donate here.

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