At Risk Youths in Westwood Transform into Junior FBI Agents

More than a dozen at-risk children at The Salvation Army Westwood Transitional Village learned what it's like to be an FBI agent on Monday, thanks to a second annual summer camp partnership.

The Salvation Army and Federal Bureau of Investigation joined up to encourage 19 children in the housing facility to stay on the right side of the law. Children saw various demonstrations, including bomb-sniffing dogs displaying their ability to find hidden "objects of interest," as well as robots used to break into drug dens.

"During the FBI Camp at Westwood Transitional Village, the children are able to learn teambuilding, responsibility, safety, and how they can help keep their community a safe one," said Rhiann Johnson, program coordinator at facility.

The Salvation Army Westwood Transitional Village is a 40-unit residential housing facility that provides support services for homeless families. Families can spend up to two years at The Village while they stabilize and acquire the skills and resources needed for independent living. Approximately 150 individuals live at The Village at all times, with two-thirds of the total population being children.

Underprivileged youth are twice as likely to be expelled, get suspended, or drop out of high school, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness. The FBI and Salvation Army state that it is especially important to inspire them to pursue positive career choices at a young age.

"Partnering with the FBI has been a great experience for our youth," Johnson added. "Most have never been able to go to a summer camp, so this gives them a chance to learn about who the FBI is, what they do, and still have fun while learning"