Youth Futures is a national program operating in 30 localities in the Negev and in the Galilee regions. The goal of this program is to provide youth at risk with an equal opportunity to develop their skills and apply their potential. The most important element of this program is the Trustee who serves as a significant adult, accompanies the child and introduces him the services offered by the authorities.
The Youth Futures Trustees of Netivot - Sedot Negev  began working in the program on May 20, 2007. Fourteen Trustees and  their coordinator work with 181 children. The goal is to bestow these children an equal opportunity to develop their unique skills, both academically and socially.

In the first stage the Trustees map the needs of the child comprising 4 main circles: the family circle, the social circle, the personal circle and the educational circle. This map includes the fields in which the child is outstanding and those with which he/she has difficulties. Thereafter this map is translated into a work program at a meeting with all the significant persons in the child's life (the social worker, the teacher, the school counselor and the Trustee). At the end of one year and five months, progress has been observed in respect to the following:

Accessibility of Services available to the Children. During private meetings with the Trustees the children are exposed to a wide variety of services that are offered by the Authority - The Science Center, the Municipal Library, Social Services and more.

Registration for Extracurricular Activities. As a result of this program 120 children registered for extracurricular activities. These activities help build self confidence among the children and assist them in developing social connections.

Personal Contact between the Trustees and The Child. The Trustee is perceived by the child as a significant adult, resembling "a big brother" which enables a special and personal bond with the child. The Trustees are also present at school and after school allowing them to closely accompany the child and to observe the child's progress in the various circles.

Projects under Development:

Family Futures. A new project called "Family Futures" was initiated 4 months ago. This is an additional component of the Youth Futures Program. We have recruited 2 Family Trustees whose role is to jointly accompany 60 families participating in the "Family Futures" project. There is an individual work program for each family. There are many families that need accompaniment, support and also accessibility to the services offered by the Authorities.