The Early Intervention Services Unit (EISU) focuses on preventive and proactive services for community youth. Through partnerships with Madison and other Dane County School districts as well as soft hand-offs from police agencies and other community networks and contacts, at-risk youth are provided one-on-one interactions, skill-building groups, and limited family support if warranted. EISU also provides both formal and informal support to gang involved youth, sex trafficked youth, and young adults (17-25) who encounter barriers to success. EISU program leaders additionally support youth who may be encountering their first justice-involved referral. Through education, experiential art, and other hands on as well as evidence-based programming, youth are exposed to a variety of skillsets with ongoing support from culturally-relatable adults often seen as mentors and guides. EISU offers a blend of both hard and soft services to support youth success and diversion from the legal system. See below for individual program descriptions and referral sources.
GRIT is voluntary programming that does not require court involvement. Referrals are made by school staff. Varying types of school-based interventions are employed including individual and group work. Service areas include all Madison Metropolitan Schools (MMSD), and other Dane County school districts based on identified need. Supportive Gang interventions staff provide county-wide monitoring and coverage in areas not served by other GRIT staff.
Coordinator 1: Voluntary direct and indirect support for 17-25 year old high-need emerging adults.
Coordinator 2: Staff and client resource support, guidance, and collaboration for youth ages 10-16.
Youth served are generally higher risk persons who need additional support to succeed. Referral sources include all resources open to DCDHS, agency partners and stakeholders.
This staff position covers all of Dane County, providing support and safety planning to youth up to age 17 who are at-risk or recently involved in sex trafficking. Youth do not have to be court involved. There is no time-limit regarding involvement. Referrals are accepted from DCDHS Social Workers, schools, partner agencies, and stakeholders.
