The J.K.H.O.P.E. (Just Kids Hands on Pet Education) is an early intervention and prevention program which will provide services to families and youth ages 6 – 17 that are at-risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. Risk factors that may be identified are removal from parental custody, parents already involved in the criminal justice system, behavior problems, victims of sexual abuse or mental abuse, academic failures, economic and social poverty, teen pregnancies, and family management problems. The J.K.H.O.P.E. Program is designed to teach all youth self-discipline, responsibilities, patience, compassion for life, motivation, problem solving, self-esteem, and nurturing while working with dogs through local shelters and pet foster facilities. The program will also identify, intervene and service youth who are at-risk of delinquent behavior, truancy or dropping out of school in Van Zandt County.