In the efforts of helping change lives of “at-risk” teens, the Santa Clarita Valley VIDA Program is inviting families to attend their open registration nights through the month of January.

VIDA, or Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives, is a 16-week program operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that serves kids 11 to 17 and helps them through offering career guidance, workshops and team building activities.

The program also places a focus on family counseling and communication, according to Deputy Tim Ferrone of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station

“A lot of the time, it’s not just a child’s issue — it’s a family issue,” said Ferrone. “Through our counseling programs, we help give parents the tools to open the line of communication.”

The program also offers components that include checks at home and at school and random drug testing in the hopes of steering youths away from exploring drug use, gang affiliation and other aspects of crime.

VIDA also integrates school and career guidance with the help of officials from the city of Santa Clarita.

“We collaborate with different members of the Santa Clarita Valley community, and the city even helps by offering city jobs to some kids in the program,” Ferrone said. “I have seen kids that were able to graduate from school when they didn’t think they would, or find a job when they didn’t think they would.”

Set to run from February to June, the 16-week program fee is $75, which includes two uniforms, lunches and other VIDA activities.

Open registration nights will be hosted by Deputy Ferrone and will be held every Thursday night throughout the month of January at 7 p.m. at Bouquet Canyon Elementary, located at 28810 Wellston Drive, Saugus.

To learn more information about the VIDA Program or to register, contact Deputy Tim Ferrone at (661) 510-0881 or click here.