The “Mila” Program sets out to support youth and minimize at-risk behaviors through open dialogue, raising awareness and educational social meetings.
Like other programs that emphasize a safe space, raising awareness and positive reinforcement of youth, this one is also in cooperation with other bodies, and is led by the Department of Community Safety and the police.
This is a social-educational program that operates throughout the school year in regular weekly meetings, aimed at strengthening values, a sense of belonging, personal responsibility and competence among youth in the city.
As part of the program, activities outside of school are also held, such as a visit to the police school in Beit Shemesh, which allows youth to learn about additional content worlds and experience meaningful and experiential learning.
In addition, community police officers and safety advisors go to middle school classes twice a year and conduct face-to-face discussions with the youth as part of National Child Protection Month and as part of preparations for the summer months. In these meetings, youth learn about about criminal liability under the law, dangers and vulnerabilities online, the use of hazardous substances, the noise pollution law, violence and other topics, as part of strengthening deterrence and reducing risky behaviors. During the meetings, the personal safety officer opens meaningful dialogue and raises dilemmas and questions, which allows youth to share and raise issues.
The cooperation between the Department of Community Safety and the police has been operating for several years and has proven itself time and time again. More than once, following these meetings, youth turn to the safety officers and shared vulnerabilities or hardships they have experienced, which makes it possible to identify, accompany and assist in real time.
