PREVTECH Corporation receives State funding as new Mental Health provider for Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

Prevtech Corporation has just been awarded more than $100,000 by the State of Florida, to demonstrate the benefits of Prevtech's innovative "Wellness Coaching" programs within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

States of varying profiles have been selected throughout the United States as Prevtech's demonstration sites, with Florida as the pilot project. The nine additional states to be targeted to participate may include:
Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Ohio and Texas.

The Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center (VRJDC), in Daytona Beach, Florida, is the first detention center to commit to the program. VRJDC Superintendent Paul Finn says there have been few innovations in the field over the years. Maintaining the status quo has not been as effective as needed to help at-risk youth, who have the potential to excel and return to the community as pro-social, productive, and contributing members of society. "Many of our first-time detainees are unprepared for the stress and pressure of incarceration, and become emotionally and behaviorally upset as soon as they enter the Juvenile Justice system," said Finn. "We need to do a better job preparing these youth and empowering them with new attitudes and skills that they can transfer to their next step in life -- whether it be outright release, probation, or transition to a residential commitment facility," Finn explained.

This purchase order is timely, in light of the increasing emphasis at the state and federal levels to develop initiatives on "What Works" within the Juvenile Justice system. In its efforts to change the lives of juveniles, DJJ is turning to program models, treatments and management tools that have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing subsequent criminal activity. Mental health, substance abuse, and psychiatric overlay services are essential components of the treatment mix, for youth taken into custody by law enforcement officers and ordered detained by the circuit court. Steven F. Chapman, Ph.D., DJJ Bureau of Data and Research, who was instrumental in defining the vision for Florida's Juvenile Justice System explained: "Providing effective rehabilitation programs to youth already in Florida's juvenile justice system is a critical component of the mission of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Decision-makers need to know whether they are purchasing what is needed to reduce juvenile crime, what is actually reaching youth in the "last mile," and whether these services are making a difference."

Making a difference is what Prevtech is all about. "Prevention technology for at-risk youth is the common denominator of all we do," said Prevtech Founder & President Paul "Dr. J" Jacobson, M.D., who is also a licensed adolescent psychiatrist. "Our program emphasizes the performance of a strong assessment & evaluation phase, followed by execution of excellence in therapy & counseling services. Then we sprinkle in a smidgen of creative arts, wellness coaching and cutting edge high-level fitness activities," he said.

"It is physiologically impossible to experience feelings of being stressed out, angry, frustrated or out-of-sync, while simultaneously feeling relaxed, secure, positive, confident and in sync," explained Jacobson.

"When you are out-of-sync, the inner noise or static can interfere with your ability to hear, see and perceive accurately. By preventing these states, at least for a period of time, decisions become easier, priorities become clear, and solutions are easier to find. Your creativity flows freely. Athletes call this getting in 'The Zone'," he emphasized.

Double board certified child & adolescent psychiatrist and pediatrician, Kenneth R. Sladkin, M.D., agrees. "Dr. J's interest in alternative therapies such as wellness-fitness to ameliorate psychiatric symptoms is refreshing and I can recommend his program with clear conscience," Sladkin said.

Prevtech intends to take cutting-edge technologies and apply them to the very real, aggressive, resistant, and delinquent youth population, giving youth the kind of tools they need to positively address the rigors of compelled behavioral performance.

Armed with state funding, Prevtech is now in a position to approach community, business, corporate and faith-based partners for support in order to demonstrate Prevtech's effectiveness in a broad array of juvenile justice environments, beginning with the Detention Center level of care. Already, leading fitness industry giants such as Cybex International have expressed an interest in Prevtech's cause, and the soon to be released virtual Cybex Trazer human performance testing and training simulator has been earmarked for Prevtech's use.

"The use of computer-based simulation presents interactive, physically and cognitively demanding challenges," said Barry J. French, Trazer Technologies Inc. founder and chairman. "This virtual reality activity elicits strategic decision-making, that greatly improves focus and concentration while simultaneously reducing the stress response. Trazer exploits elements of high-tech entertainment to significantly improve compliance with Prevtech's wellness prescriptions. Incorporating learning through movement (i.e. kinesthetic learning) enhances the overall learning experience while improving physical and mental health profiles," French explained.

Prevtech's initiatives and strategic alliances with corporate partners are destined for use in a number of wellness and educational settings across the country. Prevtech has established a non-profit foundation to expand the initiative on a large scale. To learn more about Prevtech International Foundation, Inc., go to http://www.prevtech.com.