Law enforcement officials estimate that nearly 3 million people under the age of 18 were arrested last year. To combat these figures, juvenile court services all around the country are developing programs with the aim of deterring at-risk teens from committing crimes.

The Department of Human Services and the Juvenile Court Services of Story County have developed the “No Fear” program for at-risk teens in the area.

The program uses the name “No Fear,” like the popular clothing line, as something to which the young program participants can relate, said Steve Ward of the Story County corrections office.

“The program was developed a couple years ago. We believe … the kids in the program are good kids, and we shouldn’t just lock them up and throw away the key,” Ward said. “We take adults from the community, whether it be a student, professor or somebody else, and match them up with an at-risk child.”

Ward said “No Fear” was developed to be like the Big Brother/Big Sister program, giving teens friends when they need them. The program has been active for one-and-a-half years and had 35 youth/mentor pairs at its peak last spring.

“I think it is a very good program for people in need,” said Jennifer Weisberg, junior in sports management who has been involved with “No Fear” since the beginning of the program.

“It gives them someone to talk to. It allows a little girl or boy find a friend,” Weisberg said.

“In ‘No Fear’ we really need a full year commitment from the adult,” Ward said. “These kids have had so many doors closed on them, they don’t need someone to show interest and then close the door on them. They have had enough of that.”

There are a variety of people of both genders and many races involved in the program.

“Minority matches are the hardest to make, and we have not always been able to do that, Ward said. “We try to match all of the pairs by gender and race so the teens can relate to somebody.”

Adults who sign up for the program have to go through a training process. In the training they are taught how to react in certain situations, what to expect and various other helpful instructions.

“It kind of scared me. It got you ready for all types of situations that you didn’t even think of,” Weisberg said.

Matches sometimes do not work out, but Ward said many are successful.

“Not every match is successful. Some people go all the way through the training and mean well, but they just don’t stick it out,” Ward said. “By-and-large there are some very successful matches.”

There have been some unique matches in the history of the program. A 78-year-old grandmother was paired with a 17-year-old boy; assistant wrestling coach Tom Ortiz was a mentor and the youth he was paired with became friends with the Iowa State wrestling team.

Most adults in the program have fun with their partner. Ward said it becomes something that will change participants’ lives forever.

“I started my freshman year, and the first two matches didn’t work out. But I am on my third, and it is working out really well,” Weisberg said. “Anybody that is interested in getting involved should definitely take a shot at it and then stay with it.”

Those interested in volunteering for the “No Fear” program can call Ward at 233-3346 at the Story County corrections office.