One very important component of the services that can be provided to at-risk children or children who may be subject to the juvenile justice system involves the participation in counseling and redirection programs.  These programs can be provided by private agencies, they can be provided by the Department of Children and Families, they can be provided by the Department of Juvenile Justice, or they can be funded and supervised by religious organizations.  These programs provide care from trained professionals who are able to effectively deal with children with behavior issues and children who may have or may be developing mental health issues.  This type of intervention can be focused on small children, and it can also be focused on adolescents, but the goal is the same.  That goal is to assist parents in providing direction for children who may be experiencing discipline problems in the home, at school, or in the community.  For much younger children, these programs provide guidance with learning and socialization strategies that may actually prevent possible mental health or behavior problems that may result from problems in the home or with other children.  As a state certified child-care professional, I have volunteered to participate in these programs for children in the community, and I hope to soon work closely with other child-care professionals on a full-time basis in programs aimed at assisting troubled children and juveniles.