The program is a good way to give back to the courts that gave us a chance on probation. Creative Solutions Courthouse Mural Project Visual Artist

If the audience can't come to the arts, Young Audiences of Dallas decided in 1993, then the organization would take the arts to the audience. So began Creative Solutions, when Young Audiences (YA) teamed with the Dallas County Juvenile Department (DCJD) to give performances and conduct artist residencies in juvenile detention centers for youth. Today this "In-Facility" program provides youth in five Dallas County juvenile department facilities not only with regular performances by YA artists but also with intensive, hands-on instruction in video production, claymation, dance, music, creative writing, painting, and mask making.

The only arts-focused service provider of the 20 agencies that contract with the juvenile department, Young Audiences receives more than funding from the DCJD. Probation officers refer young people, offer an outpouring of support and encouragement, allow participants to count the Summer Program as community service hours or a summer job, and act as liaison between Young Audiences and particularly troubled families. Twice a year, the DCJD audits the Creative Solutions program to review case management, billing, and file upkeep. In return, YA provides facility staff and probation officers with intensive arts training sessions.

Since its successful launch of the In-Facility Program, Creative Solutions has expanded its services and the population it reaches. Creative Solutions now provides at-risk middle school and high school students with a Summer Program and a Weekly Program of after-school arts workshops with professional theater artists, musicians, and dancers conducted in community centers, schools, and other safe, supervised environments. Traveling Art Exhibitions feature the participants' work.

Creative Solutions' newest component is collaboration with Girls, Inc. Called "Acting Out," the program provides at-risk females with interest in the arts with high-quality theater arts experiences and independent life skills sessions. The young women explore creative writing, dance and theater production, and the performing arts as a career option. The participants create an original musical play, based on topics of interest to them, including sexual responsibility, decision-making, effective communications, employment readiness, and positive relationships.

Creative Solutions's most vital partnership, however, continues to be its link with parents and guardians. Said one mother of a young Creative Solutions participant; "It's like I got my son back."