Community and evidence based services 6-19-13

Community and evidence based services 6-19-13

• 2.
   The purposeof this chapter is to secure for each child… such care and guidance, preferably in his or her own home, as will secure his or her moral, emotional, mental, and physical welfare as well as the safety of both the child and community. ◦ O.C.G.A § 15-11-1 (2013).  Community based services: ◦ Build a web of support around families and children. ◦ Provide services in the least restrictive setting possible so that youth can remain in or near their homes. ◦ Maintain bonds between the child and family, friends, and school personnel. ◦ Draw on an individual community‘s assets to meet an individual child‘s needs.
• 3.
   In thecurrent juvenile code section 15-11-10 authorizes and discusses community-based services. ◦ Any court may by order establish within the geographical jurisdiction of the court a court approved community based risk reduction program for the purpose of utilizing available community resources in assessment and intervention in cases of delinquency, deprivation, or unruliness.  O.C.G.A. § 15-11-10 (2012).
• 4.
   The newjuvenile code also authorizes community-based services: ◦ Any court may order the establishment of a community based risk reduction program, within the geographical jurisdiction of the court, for the purpose of utilizing available community resources in assessment and intervention in cases of delinquency, dependency, or children in need of services so long as the court determines that sufficient funds are available for such programs. Subject to the procedures, requirements, and supervision established in the order creating such program, any individual and any public or private agency or entity may participate in the program.  O.C.G.A. § 15-11-38 (2013).
• 5.
   ‗Evidence basedprograms or practices' means programs, practices, procedures, and policies that scientific research demonstrates a likelihood to prevent or reduce juvenile delinquency or recidivism. ◦ O.C.G.A. § 49-4A-1 (2013).  Evidence based services can: ◦ Result in reduced recidivism, improved school performance, higher participant retention rates, and increased provider and system accountability. ◦ Ensure effective outcomes for youth. ◦ Promote efficient use of funds.
• 6.
   The newjuvenile code requires the Board of Juvenile Justice to: ◦ Adopt rules and regulations… to ensure that evidence based programs or practices… guide decisions related to placing a committed child in a facility or into the community, preparing a child's release into the community, and managing children probationers in the community; and Require the department to collect and analyze data and performance outcomes…  O.C.G.A. § 49-4A-2 (2013).
• 7.
   It alsorequires that Department of Juvenile Justice: ◦ Services shall be based on evidence based programs or practices and be community centered and responsive to local needs with state and local and public and private entities forming cooperative partnerships that enhance informal support systems for families…  O.C.G.A. § 49-4A-3 (2013).
• 8.
  Trained community membersand graduate students provide mentoring and case management for marginalized, disengaged students from K-12. Participating students were 19% less likely to drop out of high school than students in a control group. Sinclair, M. F., Christenson, S. L., & Thurlow, M. L. (2005). Promoting school completion of urban secondary youth with emotional or behavioral disabilities. Exceptional Children, 71(4), 465–482. Identifies children before they become involved in delinquent behaviors and are referred into the court system.
• 9.
  A 3-4 monthintervention program for adolescents with delinquency, substance abuse, and violence problems that uses individual therapists to work with a family . The program focuses on improving social and emotional well-being, building positive relationships, and changing behaviors. The program resulted in a 34.9% reduction in felonies and 30% reduction in violent crimes. Sexton, Thomas L., and Charles W. Turner. 2010. ―The Effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy for Youth With Behavioral Problems in a Community Practice Setting.‖ Journal of Family Psychology 24(3):339–48. Identifies children that are candidates for rehabilitation. Programs vary widely but many focus on accountability, correcting problem behaviors, and promoting productive life skills.
• 10.
  A curriculum-based programdesigned to help chronic, high-risk juveniles successfully reenter the community after being released. The 13-week program consists of skill-training on 13 primary and 29 secondary program treatment topics, such as The ―Pit‖— Dealing With Your Emotions, Family Dynamics, and Living With Addiction. Only 35% of program participants re- offended; compared to 53% of a control group. Josi, Don A., and Dale K. Sechrest. 1999. ―A Pragmatic Approach to Parole Aftercare: Evaluation of a Community Reintegration Program for High-Risk Youthful Offenders.‖ Justice Quarterly 16:51–80. Addresses children leaving the detention system and discourages recidivism by promoting positive life skills and rebuilding community ties.
• 11.
  School Community Police/CourtsDetention Guidance Counselors Religious Leaders School Resource Officers Probation Officers Teachers Mentors Community Outreach Programs DJJ Facility Personnel Administrators Youth Groups Juvenile Courts Counselors School Resource Officers Child Welfare Offices Attorneys
• 12.
   Outcome measuresvary widely depending on the status of the youth participating in the program (ex. At-risk vs. repeat offenders) and the goals of the program.  Outcome measures may include: ◦ Dropout Rates ◦ Recidivism Rates ◦ Academic Attendance and Achievement ◦ Substance Abuse ◦ Antisocial Behaviors