Youth Intervention Advocates Gather At Capitol

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- State workers gathered Thursday to talk about the benefits of community-based youth intervention programs.

The Youth Intervention Programs Association says when kids get the help they need, it saves taxpayers money and keeps youth out of the juvenile justice system.

A recent survey found kids who participate in youth intervention programs get better grades and have better problem-solving skills.

"When I eventually joined the youth board, I found the voice that was taken away from me growing up. Even just showing up created a sense of structure that I had never experienced," said Kathryn Kovachev of the Northfield Union of Youth. "Being a part of the KEY helped me see that I'm worth something, that I'm not alone in my struggles, and most importantly, that I belong."

An estimated 300,000 Minnesota youth are in need of youth intervention services.