YMCA Character House Stacie Cherry Phone: (941) 365-2525 Fax: (941) 953-3718

We are a residential program contracted with the Department of Juvenile Justice for delinquent girls who are pregnant.

Delinquent girls (ages 12-18) who are pregnant and have been adjudicated by the courts from all counties within the state. It is one of two state residential facilities. Character House is not a voluntary program. It is the only state residential facility that permits girls to have their baby with them while they fulfill the requirements of the juvenile court.

• While caring for their newborn infant, the girls also attend school and are assigned responsibilities within the house. They receive special counseling to address the life challenges that led them to their delinquency and to prevent the cycle of violence that is so prevalent in this population. Positive life changes are gained through active participation in a behavior modification system in conjunction with the supportive counseling.
  
  
• The average length of stay for a girl in the program is six months. Each girl has an opportunity to develop the mother-baby bond and participate in various parenting classes that help them to be successful mothers..
  
  
• Upon successful completion of the program, the new mother and child will return home or, in some cases, may transition to an independent living facility.
  
  
• Onsite health care for prenatal and post-partum needs.
  
  
• Child development services to ensure proper growth and health is provided.

Girls cannot leave until they have completed the program.

One year ago today, police escorted a young man named Josh to the Sarasota Family YMCA youth shelter because his alcoholic, abusive mother had kicked him out and refused to allow him to return home.