ProTeen is NLF’s response to at-risk or high needs youth in Tacoma and is a one-stop-stop for our youth programming. The ProTeen Initiative seeks to serve youth between 10-18 years in Pierce County who are involved or are at-risk of being involved with the juvenile justice system. ProTeen is a suite of programs which provides a seamless service that wraps-around the youth and works intensively with adult mentors, the faith community, and service providers to assist them in developing and achieving their goals. These programs consist of Street Behaviors, Youth Assessment and Resource Center, and Evening Center.

Street Behaviors program is an onsite program at Mt. Tahoma High School that creates an alternative to long-term suspension or expulsion. Students identified as exhibiting gang behaviors or those who are demonstrating disruptive behaviors in the school setting are referred by school personnel to Street Behaviors. The program is offered during school and afterschool and provides academic support, group mentoring and discussion which allow youth to critically think through the impact of their behaviors in the school setting. 

Youth Assessment and Resource Center (Youth ARC) serves youth who have been charged with a status crime or misdemeanor by pairing the youth with a Family Intervention Specialist (FIS) who engages the family in a plan for future success. Youth ARC works with the youth and their family to identify areas of need, providing referrals for mental health services, academic advocacy for school reintegration, and arrangements for special educational services. Additionally, the Youth ARC connects youth to other community based services to complete community service and probation requirements, while engaging the youth in pro-social development activities (i.e., athletics and arts). 

Evening Center is an alternative to detention for males, ages 11 - 18, who reside within the city of Tacoma.  Staff supervises up to 15 youth four evenings per week from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  Youth who are eligible for secure detention are offered the alternative of the Evening Center.  Assistance consists of academic support, group discussion to foster critical thinking and team building exercises.