Vacca Campus
The Vacca Campus is a secure juvenile correctional facility that serves adjudicated, committed male youth, most of whom are under age 16.
Comprehensive Care
In addition, staff provide educational services, substance use education and treatment, medical care, and behavioral health services. These services also include individual and group counseling and other supports important for positive youth development. Furthermore, each youth works with an assigned case manager to address the factors related to their committing offense. Finally, the case manager helps the youth build the skills needed to transition out of D.Y.S. custody.
Youth-Centered Planning and Support
A multidisciplinary team creates each youth’s Individualized Service Plan (I.S.P.), and youth and families actively help shape the plan. Additionally, staff provide opportunities for prosocial interaction that help youth achieve their educational, residential, and rehabilitative goals so they can return successfully to their families and communities. Ultimately, the Department aims to change each youth’s trajectory.
Programs
SUBSTANCE USE EDUCATION AND TREATMENT
The University of Alabama (U.A.B) treats youth with substance use needs. U.A.B also educates youth placed at Vacca about substance use. The program assesses youth and leads group therapy sessions. Staff offer individual and family counseling as part of the program.
SHORT-TERM ALTERNATIVE REACH AND REDIRECT (STARR)
The Short-term Alternative Reach and Redirect (STARR) program actively supports youth who are considered low to moderate risk. First, these youth receive a high level of support for a short period of time. Next, the program promotes positive youth development by building social and emotional regulation skills. Moreover, it encourages positive decision-making and challenges faulty thinking. Finally, the program uses a variety of interventions to help youth achieve these goals.
General Population Program (GAP)
Youth in the general population are usually medium to high risk. They have committed offenses related to person, property, public order, or violations of probation or aftercare. Staff offer individual and group counseling to these youth. Counseling covers topics such as social skills, grief, anger management, and preparation for release and aftercare. To begin with, Vacca Campus offers programs and services that help youth return to their communities. As a result, these programs support youth in becoming lawful and productive citizens. In addition, GAP youth can access substance use services and treatment.
Positive Youth Development
To start, Vacca Campus brings in motivational speakers throughout the year. These speakers inspire youth to set goals and pursue them. Furthermore, faith-based volunteers from the community meet the spiritual needs of youth. Lastly, parents frequently visit their children and participate in activities that strengthen family relationships.
WhyTry/Botvin Program
The WhyTry and Botvin Program teaches youth important life skills. These skills include goal setting, effective communication, managing stress, decision-making, and handling anger and other emotions. Youth join an eight-week program with lessons and activities. At the end, participants celebrate graduation day and receive a certificate for completing the program.
A. G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America have a long history of offering educational programs and recreational activities. The A. G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club of Birmingham works with DYS to provide lessons that teach pro-social behavior and support educational and career growth. These lessons also encourage positive engagement. Youth take part in group activities and structured recreational play.
Alabama Blues Project
The Alabama Blues Project (A.B.P) is a nonprofit group that teaches Blues music to children ages 6 to 18. Children can learn vocals, harmonica, guitar, and drums. Skilled Blues musicians from Alabama leads the lessons. Students learn about the history of Blues music and how to perform it. The Alabama Blues Project passes on Alabama’s rich Blues culture to the next generation. The program teaches students’ self-esteem, discipline, cross-cultural understanding, social skills, and teamwork. Vacca Campus recently hosted the program as one of its sites.
Educational Services
Youth attend the on-site McNeel School, where they receive educational services throughout the year. Students complete coursework aligned with the Alabama Courses of Study in a variety of subjects. They also earn Carnegie Unit credits toward their high school diplomas.
Core Academic
At the beginning of the program, the school day includes seven class periods. Youth typically take four core academic subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
In addition, students take physical education> and two elective courses.
Teachers provide individualized instruction based on each youth’s academic needs. Staff develop an educational program for each student using:
Deveoplment/ Elective Courses
In addition, students take physical education and two elective courses.
Teachers provide individualized instruction based on each youth’s academic needs. Staff develop an educational program for each student using:
- Previous school records
- Diagnostic assessments
- TABE test results
Programs and Support
The curriculum includes both remedial and developmental instruction to support a range of learning needs. Staff design programs to help youth:
- Return to school at grade level
- Strengthen basic academic skills
- Prepare for the General Educational Development (GED) test
The school also has a fully equipped media center. Youth may use its materials and resources for research and may check out items for educational use.
Vacca Campus Contact information
Monthly Visitation Days & Times
Family engagement is encouraged and welcome at the Vacca Campus.
Visits are scheduled through each youth’s assigned case manager.
Visitation is available the 1st Thursday of each month from 1p-4p
and the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1p-4p