Business executive Myles Shibata and longtime teacher and preschool administrator Phyllis Kunimura have accepted positions on the 2000-01 board of directors of Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i Inc. They replace author Georgia Mossman and Cy Shim. Continuing officers include Carol E. Suzawa,
Business executive Myles Shibata and longtime teacher and preschool
administrator Phyllis Kunimura have accepted positions on the 2000-01 board of
directors of Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i Inc.
They replace author Georgia Mossman and
Cy Shim.
Continuing officers include Carol E. Suzawa, president; Mark S.
Hubbard, vice president; Peter Nakamura, secretary; and Robert H. Rask,
treasurer.
Other board members include Shirley Akita, Hartwell H.K. Blake,
Nancy J. Budd, Carol Furtado, Charles Kawakami, Janet Mayfield, Jo Ann
Shimamoto and Avery Youn.
Here is a quick look at the programs offered by
Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i, Inc.:
l Therapeutic Group Home: Long-term residential
treatment services are provided to 12 boys and girls, ages 12 to 17, in one of
two homes located on the island. Teams of residential counselors are on duty 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. Youth participate in weekly individual and family
therapy sessions, and attend public schools where school liaisons are available
for support and monitoring. Many enrichment programs, like fine arts,
photography and others, are offered as well.
l Emergency Shelter Services:
Emergency shelter is available for males and females, ages 0 to 21, who are in
need of sanctuary and counseling. Services are provided in a group home or an
individual “warm” home setting.
l Therapeutic Foster Home Program: Hale
‘Opio’s Therapeutic Foster Home Program differs from traditional foster care in
its emphasis on Professional Parents who provide the youth with ongoing,
family-based treatment and daily opportunities for success. One parent is
considered the primary Professional Parent and does not work outside the
home.
l Hawai’i Advocates for Youth: This is a collaboration between Hale
Kipa Youth Services (O’ahu) and Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i, Inc., and is a locally
adapted, nationwide program servicing youth who are returning to communities
from the Hawai’i Youth Correctional Facility. The purpose of the program is to
provide a comprehensive blend of individualized in-home and community-based
services that facilitate the youth’s successful integration into the community,
and to prevent incarceration.
l Intensive In-Home Services: These
home-based services provide prevention and crisis intervention service to
Kaua’i’s children and their families by responding to a family’s crisis and
providing in-home services to strengthen family functioning.
l Juvenile
Diversion Program: The project is a collaborative effort between the Office of
Youth Services, Hale ‘Opio and the Kaua’i Police Department, which seeks to
divert juveniles from prolonged contact with police. When a truant, curfew
violator, runaway or minor law violator is picked up by the police and the
police are unable to reach a parent or guardian, the juvenile is transferred to
the project staff, who continue to call parents, provide crisis counseling,
follow-up, and referral for other services as a deterrent to further contact
with the police.
l Teen Line: Sponsored by the Hawai’i State Student
Council and the Hawai’i Youth Services Network, this program consists of taped
messages on a variety of topics important to young people, and a call-in
information and referral service for youth helping youth. Toll-free service is
provided free of charge by Sprint Hawai’i. Peer listeners are available
weekdays 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., trained and supervised by Kapi’olani Health’s
Teen Intervention Program. The number is 1-877-521-TEEN (8336).
l Urgency
Response System – Crisis Bed: In partnership with the state Department of
Health and state Department of Education, as part of Kaua’i’s mental health
services system for children and adolescents, Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i, Inc. provides
crisis stabilization beds in foster-home settings for youth who have been
assessed to be in a stressful and/or traumatic situation which has resulted in
a significant emotional crisis, i.e. suicidal or homicidal ideation, threats or
gestures requiring immediate intervention but not hospitalization.
l Family
Friends – Therapeutic Aides: Recognizing that all parents may not be able to
adequately meet the ’round-the-clock needs of their children, Hale ‘Opio
provides aides who support parents of children with special needs in
identifying a system of support for their child within their community.
l
Kaua’i Teen Court: This is a collaborative effort between the Kaua’i Police
Department, Family Court, County Prosecutor, Hale ‘Opio Kaua’i, Inc. and youth
serving public- and private-sector agencies to provide a diversionary program
for first-time misdemeanor or status-offending youth between the ages of 10 and
17. Juveniles who have admitted guilt and are prepared to be sentenced by their
peers will be given a hearing. Teen Court judges selected from a pool of
practicing judges and attorneys and trained teen serve as court
officers.
The Therapeutic Group Homes and Emergency Shelter Services are
supported by the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Endowment Fund.
