STOP NOW AND PLAN (SNAP™)
The 8 Components of SNAP™ (see below)


SNAP™ is designed for boys ages 6-11 who are engaging in anti-social behavior and/or come into contact with the police. SNAP (STOP NOW AND PLAN) is an award-winning, evidence-based, manualized cognitive behavioral strategy developed by the Child Development Institute more than 30 years ago.

SNAP helps children and parents deal effectively with anger by teaching them to stop and think before they act — responding in a way that makes their problems smaller, not bigger. With help and practice, children and parents are able to stop, calm down and generate positive solutions at the “snap of their fingers.”

Participation in the program
Boys ages 6 to 11 who live in the Mon Valley and are having difficulty at home, school and/or in the community should be considered for the SNAP program.

Boys who exhibit the following behaviors may particularly benefit from the SNAP program:

• stealing/shoplifting
• breaking and entering
• vandalizing
• trespassing
• assault
• fire setting
• fighting
  
  Privacy
  No information about any boy or family will be shared without parental consent (unless required by law).
  
  Costs
  Both individual and foundation funding allows Auberle to offer this voluntary service at no cost.
  
  Child care is available at no cost while parents attend parent training groups.
  
  Bus tickets to and from Auberle for both the boys’ and parents’ training groups
  are available upon request.
  
  Presenting Problems
  Boys having police contact as a result of their own behavior
  Boys exhibiting clinical levels of conduct problems
  Boys with serious conduct problems (e.g., theft, fire-setting, aggression)
  
  How to Enroll
  If you have ever wondered how to get help, simply call (412) 673-5800 x1232 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, call and leave your name and phone number. A SNAP staff member will be in touch with you within 48 hours.
  
  Service Area
  Targeted areas for the SNAP™ program include families living in any of the Mon Valley communities.
  
  Sources of Referral
  Police
  Self-referral (parent/guardian)
  Schools
  Child welfare
  Juvenile probation
  District magistrates
  Family support centers
  Mental health providers
  Youth development programs and other youth serving agencies
  For more information about the SNAP™ Program, call (412) 673-5800 x1232.
  

SNAP™ for Boys
A boy and his family participate in two core components, and others as appropriate, with the goal of preventing future anti-social behavior and reducing the chances of becoming in conflict with the law. Experienced and highly trained SNAP™ staff work together with you to assess the problem behavior and create an action plan.

The 8 Components of SNAP™

SNAP Boys’ Group
As the core component, boys attend group sessions led by two energetic staff once/week for 12 weeks. Fun and interactive activities such as role-play and games address a variety of topics such as stopping stealing, bullying and apologizing, and give the boys strategies to use in their daily lives.

SNAP Parents’ Group
Like the SNAP Boys’ Group, the parent group meets weekly for 12 consecutive weeks and offers parents the chance to learn effective child management techniques as well as to connect with other parents facing similar challenges.

Individual Befriending
Individual contact for boys with a supportive, caring adult to stimulate recreational or community interests.

School Advocacy
Helps parents ensure that their children receive the best possible education. Every child’s teacher is visited at least once.

Homework Club
Academic tutors are available for SNAP™ children functioning well below grade level. Weekly one-hour tutoring sessions with specially trained volunteers are held.

Crisis Intervention
Counseling is provided to parents and children in times of crisis. Whether the contact is by telephone, a home visit or at Auberle, our staff are available when
you need them.

Victim Restitution
Encourages children to apologize to their victim and redress their mischief. An apology letter or some form of community service are typical ways we promote prosocial behavior.

Long Term Connections
Include parent alumni groups, family support nights, parents as volunteers, a weekly club and continuing support to individual children and their families.

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