Programs

Programs / H.A.R.P

Home Alternative Release Program (H.A.R.P.)

The Home Alternative Release Program or H.A.R.P. has been developed to replace the current in-home detention services provided by Mercer County. In accordance with the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, the desire is to transition or keep youth in the community whom otherwise would be placed in detention. The existing In-Home Detention program has served 277 youth between 2009 and 2010. With the closure of the Mercer County Youth Detention Center the demand for youth in need of detention alternative services increased. Through the use of technology and direct field work the goal was to keep youth in the community rather than detaining them as they await further services, court dates, attend treatment and continue their education. Our H.A.R.P. staff has the ability to follow up on school attendance, compliance with court ordered treatment, evaluate the living situation of the youth and enforce mandatory court or probation appearances. Through field work and face to face contact, along with technology reports, H.A.R.P. program staff will have the ability to provide the court with a detailed accounting of all of the above on a weekly basis or to report any violations of the order immediately to the court.