"Building Unity in the Community"-- Searching for Role Models; Become a Youth Arbitrator at RCSD

As your Sheriff, I understand the importance of keeping our youth on the right path. Without positive influences and role models our youth have a greater chance of making the wrong decisions and sometimes, they are unable to recover from those mistakes. This is why I am seeking energetic Volunteer Arbitrators to join The Richland County Sheriff's Department team.

The Sheriff's Department Arbitration Program has been in existence since the spring of 2007 and is still going strong with a success rate of over 90 percent. One mistake does not have to mean a lifetime of consequences. Youth Arbitration is a community-based program that provides fast track accountability for first-time youthful offenders charged with committing a nonviolent crime.

Since the inception of the Youth Arbitration program in Richland County there have been more than 1,300 youth referrals to the program with a recidivism rate of less than 11 percent.

Annual training is a must as we strive to keep positive energetic arbitrators in position to assist our young folks. This is your chance as a Volunteer Arbitrator to assist our young adults that have come in contact with law enforcement for misdemeanor crimes. We are the only law enforcement agency in the state to run a Youth Arbitration Program.

"It's all about what the kids get out of it," says Lieutenant Kim Myers the Director of the Youth Arbitration Program. "Some kids find hidden talents and discover a dedication to a particular area of the community. Some even discover an interest in a particular career path."



I am extremely proud of the active trained volunteer arbitrators dedicated to helping our youth... several of them have been with us from the beginning.

"It's my hope that I can somehow help to get these kids back on track. If I can help just 1 or 2 kids- I see that as a success," says Pat Klatt. She started as a volunteer and was eventually hired part-time to work with Youth Arbitration. Klatt is mainly responsible for running things behind the scenes as a Case Manager. She also heads into the field as an Arbitrator. "I think it's a wonderful program. These kids deserve a second chance and I want to do my part to help."

                                                                                 

The success of the program depends on community participation and volunteerism. I am thrilled we are able to work with countless partners including the Department of Juvenile Justice, Alvin S. Glen Detention center, the Coroners Office, Homeworks Project, and Solicitor Dan Johnson at the Richland County Judicial Center to help mentor our youth and offer them a second chance.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer please visit our website at www.rcsd.net underneath programs/services dropdown to obtain application. Forward application to 5623 Two Notch Road Attention: Youth Arbitration or email Lieutenant Kym Myers for electronic application kmyers@rcsd.net for more information call Lieutenant Kym Myers, Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 736-0429

Arbitration training is held during the month of October 2012 for a total of 24 hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings 6pm-9pm and one Saturday) Training dates will be announced upon receipt of applications at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, 6429 Bishop Avenue Columbia, South Carolina, 29203

For more information about the Youth Arbitration Program visit www.rcsd.net/prog/arbitrationprogram.htm.