Youth Justice
Youth Justice provides a variety of direct and collaborative services and programming to youth and families. Our approach focuses on a balance to support youth and family connections, protect the community, hold youth accountable for their actions, and build youth skills to support productive, responsible individuals. Services are typically court ordered; however, diversion services can be offered. Youth Justice workers strive to prevent or reduce uncontrollable and delinquent behavior and to strengthen family functioning and connections. Youth Justice workers maintain close coordination with law enforcement, schools, the Court System, District Attorney's Office, and other behavioral health service agencies. Services provided within this unit are primarily governed by the Juvenile Justice Code (Chapter 938) and the Children's Code (Chapter 48), and other state and county mandates, and policies.
Juvenile Court Intake Services
Juvenile Intake is responsible for the initial screening and assessment of children and juveniles referred for allegedly committing a delinquent act. Intake workers have 40 days to review the referrals and schedule intake inquiries with the individual and family. Referral recommendations may include informal supervision, referral to court, or closure. On-Call Intake services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Temporary placement decisions are made by the Intake workers regarding children and youth taken into custody.
Youth Justice Supervision
Supervision services focus on assisting youth and families in overcoming needs the youth or family is experiencing which have resulted in Juvenile Court intervention. Supervision services include an assessment of the youth and family, a risk assessment of the youth, case plan development and implementation, and supervision of the youth’s behavior as directed by the Court order. When necessary, court ordered sanctions for violations of rules and court conditions are utilized to hold youth accountable to their court orders. Out-of-home placements are only utilized when the youth can no longer remain in the home for safety reasons.
Services Offered
- Mentoring
- Community Services
- Referral to AODA and Behavioral Health Resources
- Restitution
- Electronic Monitoring
- Early Intervention
- Anger Replacement Training (ART)
- Carey Guides and BITS
- Botvin Classes
- Drug Testing
Additional Resources
The following documents provide additional resources that may provide assistance or support for you or your loved ones.