Skip to main content
YOUTH TAKE ACTION · DIVERSION PROGRAM

Intensive
Prevention
Services

Guiding youth ages 10–19 toward safer, brighter futures. IPS acts as a protective buffer for Philadelphia's young people — connecting them with trusted adults and wraparound supports before harmful behaviors escalate.

Mon–Thu

School Year · 3:30–6:30 PM

Mon–Thu

Summer · 1:00–6:30 PM

10–19

Ages Served

Year-Round

Consistent Support

WHO WE SERVE

A Second Chance for Every Young Person

IPS serves youth who are at a crossroads — facing circumstances that could lead them into the juvenile justice system. We believe every young person deserves a second chance, and we provide the protective factors needed to help them choose a different path.

  • Youth experiencing conflict at school, home, or in their community
  • Youth showing warning signs such as truancy, running away, or behavioral issues
  • Youth being diverted from arrest or referred through school or police partners
  • Youth seeking a positive environment for learning, growth, and belonging
  • Ages 10 to 19 in the Philadelphia area

Participant Story

IPS gave me the space to think about who I want to be — and the tools to get there.
IP

IPS Participant

WHY IPS MATTERS

A Protective Buffer

Philadelphia's youth often face significant barriers — poverty, systemic inequality, and limited access to safe spaces. IPS connects young people with trusted adults and wraparound supports to prevent harmful behaviors from escalating into justice involvement.

85%
Avoid justice involvement
90%
Improve school attendance
Ages 10–19
Youth served
Year-round
Consistent support

Wraparound Services

IPS provides a comprehensive set of services tailored to each young person's unique needs and circumstances.

Case Management

One-on-one goal setting, mentorship, and progress monitoring focused on education, safety, and personal development. Each youth is paired with a dedicated case manager.

Individual & Family Counseling

Trauma-informed sessions to strengthen communication, emotional regulation, and family stability. We work with the whole family, not just the youth.

Academic Support & College Readiness

Tutoring, homework help, and future planning for high school, college, or vocational training. We help youth envision and plan for their next chapter.

Life Skills & Conflict Resolution

Workshops covering anger management, peer mediation, emotional intelligence, and decision-making. Evidence-based curriculum delivered by trained youth workers.

Customized Service Plans

Personalized plans designed to improve self-worth, academic engagement, and relationships at home and in the community. No two plans are the same.

Enrichment Activities

Recreational and creative programming that builds confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Youth discover new interests and build positive peer networks.

HOW TO REFER

Make a Referral

Families, schools, courts, and police departments can refer eligible youth to IPS. Our intake team will respond within 48 hours to assess fit and begin the enrollment process.

  • Who can refer: Families, schools, courts, police departments, community organizations
  • Response time: Within 48 hours of referral submission
  • Location: 2034 N. Mascher St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
  • Phone: (215) 309-2516

Is a Youth in Crisis?

If a young person is in immediate danger, please call 911. For non-emergency situations where a youth needs support and intervention, IPS is here to help.

Every Youth Deserves a Protective Buffer

IPS is free for all eligible youth. If you know a young person who could benefit, don't wait — early intervention makes all the difference.