·        VEDC serves middle and high school students ages 12-17 with behavioral problems that prevent them from maintaining enrollment in their primary schools. 

·        Referrals for the VEDC are from NHC Public Schools, the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJDP), Pre-Trial Release, and community mental health agencies.

·        An individual needs assessment is conducted with the youth and parent/guardian to develop an Individual Behavior Plan that the youth and parent agree to abide by with VEDC staff with the goal of influencing and effecting positive change within the youth incrementally on a daily basis. 

·        The VEDC uses Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) which is an evidenced based behavioral modification system that is used in North Carolina and nationwide.  The youth are engaged in the Behavior Modification Program (BMP) from the time they are picked up on the bus, all throughout the day in their learning zones, at lunch time, as well as on their bus ride home.  This intensive BMP allows for structured, consistent, immediate reinforcement/consequences for the youth to ultimately yield/influence changes in their behavior. 

·        The VEDC also serves as a step down program for youth that are exiting from a higher level of care/placement to assist them to transition back to a lesser restrictive environment and then back into the public school setting in a more successful manner.