Votorantim Metals' Juiz de Fora plant, in a partnership entered into with Votorantim Institute, Instituto Veredas and the Conselho Municipal dos Direitos da Criança e do Adolescente [Municipal Council for Children and Teenragers' Rights], supports the inauguration of the Serviço de Referência para Adolescentes [Reference Service for Teenagers].

The project assists 50 youngsters aged between 12 and 18 years, in the city of Juiz de Fora and region, who have problems related to the use of alcohol and drugs. The teenagers are offered follow-up, family counseling and psychological service. The structure is comprised of two rooms for personalized services, an art room, kitchen and pantry. The team is comprised of four psychologists and a social assistant.

"Initiatives such as this one show Votorantim Metals' permanent concern with the development of teenagers in the region and assistance to those under risk", says Antonio Eymard Rigobello, managing director of Votorantim Metals' Juiz de Fora unit.

The service offered by the Serviço de Referência para Adolescentes [Reference Service to Teenagers] offers an individualized approach of conflicts related to the use of alcohol and drugs and, if psychiatric approach is necessary, the youngsters are guided to the public health service of the region. The youngsters’ families are also offered psychological care.

Votorantim Metals also promotes the Agente do Amanhã [Tomorrow’s Agent] project in the Igrejinha district, which supports 150 youngsters in the community, offering school support, nutritional, psychological and pedagogical guidance, in addition to art, capoeira and sport classes. The unit also supports cultural projects in the region, such as Memória Local na Escola [Local Memory at School], which recalls the city’s history jointly with students in the public school system.

The Serviço de Referência para Adolescentes [Reference Service for Teenagers] is supported by the Votorantim Institute by means of VIA  – Programa Votorantin de Apoio ao Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente [Votorantim Support Program to the Children and Teenagers’ Statute]. VIA guides and supports the Group’s business units to allocate funds to Fundo dos Direitos das Crianças e Adolescentes [Children and Teenagers’ Rights Fund] (FIA), which carries out actions to support the protection network to childhood and youth.