NCJ Number
63201
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 58 Issue: 8 Dated: (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1979) Pages: 531-539
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A MODEL PLAN IS PRESENTED FOR JUVENILE SERVICES THAT WOULD SHIFT TROUBLED BUT NONDELINQUENT YOUTH FROM THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM TO THE SERVICES OF THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE SYSTEM DESCRIBED IS PROPOSED FOR USE IN PENNSYLVANIA. HERE 1977 LEGISLATION COMBINED SEPARATE CHILD-CARE AND YOUTH SERVICES IN AN EFFORT TO BETTER COORDINATE AND STREAMLINE DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO JUVENILES AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE PLAN WAS MEANT TO AFFECT BOTH UNGOVERNABLE AND RUNAWAY YOUTH AS THEY WERE REMOVED FROM THE STATE'S JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN AUGUST 1977. UNDER THE PROPOSED SYSTEM, ALL CASES ENTER THE SYSTEM THROUGH 'INTAKE' BUT THE FOCUS IS ON REFERRAL. THIS AIDS IN INDIVIDUALIZING TREATMENT THROUGH THE USE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES BEST SUITED TO THE NEEDS OF EACH FAMILY. REFERRALS ARE CLASSIFIED AS SHORT-TERM FAMILY INVOLVEMENT WHEN THE FAMILY IS STABLE AND NEEDS ONLY MINIMAL SUPPORT TO HANDLE PROBLEMS; REFERRAL TO COMMUNITY AGENCY OUTSIDE ADOLESCENT SERVICES; AND REFERRAL TO COMPREHENSIVE THERAPEUTIC SERVICES WITHIN ADOLESCENT SERVICES WHEN A FAMILY IS IN SUCH CONFLICT THAT CRISIS-ORIENTED COUNSELING BY AN INTAKE WORKER CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND THE SITUATION HAS CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE. SPECIALIZED THERAPEUTIC SERVICES INCLUDE CONSULTATIVE SERVICES, FAMILY THERAPY, AND DAY TREATMENT. ALTERNATIVE LIVING SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. A SUPPORTIVE SERVICES STAFF DOES NOT PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICE, BUT THROUGH ACTIVITIES IN COMMUNITY RELATIONS, RESEARCH/EVALUATION, AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT, IT HELPS PREPARE DIRECT SERVICE STAFF TO AID THE CLIENTS. (RCB)