National Center for Youth in Custody Creating the Foundation: Elements and Principles of an Effective Continuum of Services Alternatives to Detention Meeting Wednesday, May 29, 2013

We have them but for a season...

3 Why a Continuum of Care? Juvenile Justice Systems Finding an Appropriate Balance Prevention Public Safety Intervention Least Restrictive Continuum of Care

4 Changing Systems for Youth and Families Changing systems often involves starting from a fundamentally different place … Philosophy/Culture x Focus + Proven Practices = Quality and Results

5 “ Key Findings “Improving Effectiveness of Juvenile Justice Programs: A New Perspective on Evidenced Based Practice”, Lipsey, Howell, Kelly, Chapman, & Carver, 2010 Focus most effective and costly interventions on higher risk youth. Less intensive and less costly interventions on low risk youth. Programs with a therapeutic philosophy were notably more effective than those with a control philosophy. A sufficient amount of program service is important. Quality implementation magnifies the impact.

6 Contrasting Approaches Traditional Correctional & Institutional Developmental Rehabilitative & Therapeutic Goal is for youth to stay out of trouble Goal is for youth & families to be productively involved and contributing to community Deficits focus/Offense DrivenAssets focus/Strength and Needs One-size fits all; youth fits into program; restrictive Individual/family needs; program fits the youth; flexible, adaptive, culturally competent Limited program options, overuse of hardware secure residential Least restrictive continuum of non-residential and residential placement options

7 Contrasting Approaches Traditional Correctional & Institutional Developmental Rehabilitative & Therapeutic Case manager; probation, parole, staff positioned as enforcers and monitors Service Coordinator (community organizer, resource developer, connections and support) Large institutions, geographically isolated, inaccessible family/community Small programs, geographically located, accessible to youth, family/community Policy drives decision, rigid protocols Engaged problem solver, decision maker “Bad” neighborhoodsCommunity/neighborhoods as a resource

8 Traditional Correctional & Institutional Developmental Rehabilitative & Therapeutic Create barriers, limit peer contagion Build positive relationships, reduce isolation Focus on locating a placementFocus on achieving stability Youth/individual Systemic (youth, family, neighborhood, community) Crisis intervention, activity focused Proactive planning, outcome focused Contrasting Approaches

9 Contrasting Approaches Traditional Correctional & Institutional Developmental Rehabilitative & Therapeutic Surveillance, check-ins, monitoring Day Treatment; Community/Family Resource Centers Remedial education and vocational options Focus on education completion, supports, opportunities, mastery Surveillance/Monitoring Programs “Humanware” engaged supervision and mentoring Families as placements, part of problem, something to be “fixed” Proved family therapy practices, family partnerships, and natural support networks 9- 5 programs and services24/7 program, services, and supports

10 A Broader Vision Moving from Programs to Systems Least restrictive continuum of residential and non-residential interventions that are humane, therapeutic, and developmental. Fully Integrated Treatment Approach and Comprehensive Wraparound services across agencies and systems Youth and family-driven services (e.g. group approach, youth centered transition planning)

11 A Broader Vision Moving from Programs to Systems Mobilization of natural helping networks and social capital (e.g. agency services comprise no more than 50% of plan) Comprehensive engagement and layers of support for youth and families (e.g. resource centers, multi-family groups, opportunities to volunteer and reciprocate, health/wellness, emergency assistance)

12 A Broader Vision Moving from Programs to Systems Integration with Family Courts and Juvenile Court Diversion Programs Youth development opportunities (e.g. youth boards/leadership, afterschool activities, productive involvement) Post-secondary, vocational, and career services for youth and families

13 Integrated Youth and Family Resource System - Example Integrated Continuum of Care Natural Supports Networks Youth Resource Centers Family Partnerships Service Coordination Community Partnerships Residential Treatment Juvenile Courts & Social Services Youth Education & Development

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15 Carol Cramer Brooks, Co-Coordinator National Center for Youth in Custody National Partnership for Juvenile Services At the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home 1424 Gull Road Kalamazoo, MI (0ffice) (cell) You can contact me at...