Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse
Seatack Elementary and Bettie F. Williams Elementary

This Model Partnership was designed to meet the needs of students who have family members who are incarcerated. It is estimated that there are over 2,000 children in Virginia Beach who have an incarcerated family member, and research shows that these children are five times more likely to become incarcerated by adulthood without intervention. The Navigators program was designed to help children beat the odds by building resiliency within them. The "Dare To Be You" curriculum used by the Navigators provides the core for the program, focusing on self-esteem, responsibility, communication/social skills, decision-making skills, and substance abuse prevention. The ongoing relationship with the two educators who have been with the program since its inception four years ago provides these children with a consistent, reliable adult in their lives who have high expectations for them. Students have also had the opportunity to be mentored by college students from Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. This one of a kind program provides the community with a valuable resource, enables public entities to work together to avoid duplication of services, and gives children an outlet for their emotions. As one student put it, "I feel happy in the Navigators Program." This is an example of a Model Partnership at its best!