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About Fairfield Police Activity League

Location:

PO Box 3342, Fairfield, CA 94533, US

Mission Statement

The Fairfield PAL Teen Center uses the fun of traditional recreational programs to engage underserved teens and help build great qualities in members. WHO WE SERVE Racially and ethnically diverse young people from predominantly low-income households within Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis who are placed at disproportionate risk of becoming disconnected from school, community, family or underserved by traditional services and programs. WHAT WE DO PAL uses traditional recreational programming (fun and choice based) as a gateway to engage teens in programming and activities that support the development of the social and emotional skills required to develop a positive self-identity and become productive and active members of our community. These programs-which are organized, structured, evidence-based and adult facilitated-provide excellent opportunities for teens to develop and grow to become fully functioning adults. Participation in these activities is associated with autonomy and identity development, positive social relationships, learning conflict resolution, academic success, mental health, civic engagement and improved physical health. At PAL, recreational programs become the beginning of social, emotional and wellness skill building and development to help teens thrive. OUR IMPACT Youth from diverse and underserved neighborhoods will be more connected to the larger Fairfield community and possess the social and emotional skills necessary to actively engage and thrive in their family, life, and career choices. Global perceptions of youth and their ability increase within the Fairfield community. Increased interpersonal skills and ability to identify and manage emotions effectively. Increased sense of positive identity and self-efficacy. Increased exposure, understanding, and use of prosocial norms. Global perceptions of youth and their ability to make positive contributions will improve and/or increase within the Fairfield community. Increased interpersonal skills and ability to identify and manage emotions effectively. Increased sense of positive identity and self-efficacy. Increased exposure, understanding, and use of prosocial norms. PAL Program Phases Engagement / Recreation Programming Establishing Emotional and Physical Safety Relationship Building Meaningful Participation Skill Building Please note: All Fairfield PAL volunteers, staff and supports are expected to support and role model the Alive & Free framework. Training is provided. You can find out more about Alive & Free at https://stayaliveandfree.org/ California Senate Bill 506 imposes new requirements to volunteer with youth that include an FBI background check and a 2 hour Mandated Reporter Certification training. Additionally, it requires at least two mandated reporters be involved at all times. Costs are covered by the program. Volunteers are a critical component at Fairfield PAL. To ensure everyone’s success, there is a mandatory application process that includes a local background check done by the Fairfield Police Department. The PAL Program will pay any costs assocated with the background check process.

Description

Because our program is uniquely structured to address the needs of Fairfield teens and it can make YOU healthier! Volunteering at PAL:

provides an invaluable service to the community - no matter what you do as a volunteer, you make the program and our community stronger!

offers personal and professional enrichment - in fact, some volunteers can even enroll at Solano Community College and other schools to receive academic credit!

is good for your health and happiness! Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer!

What makes a good PAL volunteer? (What do PAL members wish adults knew?)

Don't be afraid of the PAL members. Try not to just talk to the other adults while you are at the center. Questions are great icebreakers!

If you say you are going to come, come (at least most of the time).

Come to have fun, smile!

If a rule is broken, do not look the other way. (They know you know.)

Don't try to "counsel" right away, get to know members first. Staff can help you with this!

Mandated reporters are individuals who are mandated by law to report known or suspected child maltreatment. Mandated reporters are required by the state of California to report any known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to the county child welfare department or to a local law enforcement agency (local police/sheriff's department). No proof of abuse or neglect is needed, only "reasonable suspicion" that child abuse or neglect may have occurred. If you are at all concerned about the possibility of abuse or neglect, you should report.



The general process to become a PAL Volunteer

1.Attend a PAL Volunteer Orientation and agree to be a Mandated Reporter.

2.View the Alive & Free introduction and agree to join us in keeping PAL member's Alive & Free. You can watch the video at any time at https://youtu.be/9UJ4OPcaeq4 (For more information, please visit https://stayaliveandfree.org.)

3.Complete all necessary paperwork (application, supplemental application, and waiver) and return to Heather Sanderson.

4.Complete an Applicant Processing Form and have background check (fingerprints) done at the Fairfield PD. Drop in hours are available or you may call the Records Department at 428-7300 to make an appointment.

5.Please note effective June 1, 2017 all volunteers will be required to sign in and out of the PAL Center using a PAL ID.

"The most important determinant with respect to crime rates and youth success is not IQ, family or individual temperament, but the willingness of a community to act."