For several years Bob Carpenter has volunteered in the “Adopt-a-Kid” program at the Adolescent Forensic Program Facility, located on the North Texas State Hospital Campus, Vernon, Texas. At each quarterly Family Day, Bob mentors AFP residents, whose parents are unable to participate, by encouragement on school achievement, life skills development and hope for the future because someone – even someone who does not know them –cares.
AFP is a residential facility and program that treats adolescents, ages 13 through 17, with substance abuse and mental health issues. Most come voluntarily after involvement in the Texas juvenile justice system, having exhausted local community assistance resources. The kids stay in Vernon for approximately 6 to 9 months and receive not only intensive medical and psychological evaluation and therapy, but also top notch educational training in a fully-accredited school program, recreational therapy in music, arts and crafts, and automobile mechanics. Additionally, and importantly, are the social skills that kids build in this safe and counseled environment. In 2007 AFP added a teen center, just like those at schools, community centers and churches, with a snack bar, games and a juke box. In that setting, the kids learn how to appropriately interact with each other on personal and intimate levels. For 2 years running, the school has sponsored a Spring Prom for its juniors and seniors complete with fancy dresses for the girls and jackets and ties for the boys. AFP has expanded social skill building by coordinating its personal services facilities (the barber and beauty shops) with the teen center, recreational facilities and a new movie theater. In June 2008 Carpenter Law Office clients, in response to Bob’s challenge matching opportunity, helped substantially to complete the fundraising and bring the theater to AFP. The first-class facility is now open.
