NCJ Number
207345
Date Published
2003
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Under the effective continuum of developmental community-based programs and services for at-risk children, this chapter discusses the uniqueness of juvenile day treatment, in its offering of treatment as a part of a larger offering of services for youth who may need specific help beyond the traditional classroom curricula.
Abstract
Within juvenile day treatment, treatment is the key. Day treatment is one of the main factors that distinguish a day program for older youth from those programs that are commonly referred to as alternative learning programs. The focus on treatment is because there are distinct populations of young people who need specific help beyond what is offered via traditional classroom curricula and extracurricular activities. This chapter discusses these distinctions and makes a case for having an array of treatments available for children who need them. Juvenile day treatment is one of the services that should be offered in a comprehensive spectrum of services for children who may have difficulty in the regular classroom. This chapter answers the questions of what and why: (1) what is juvenile day treatment; (2) what does the research literature say about juvenile day treatment; and (3) why study the implementation of day treatment programs? Three pilot day treatment programs in North Carolina and their early experiences are presented (New Hanover County, Wake County, and Durham County). It has been found that when actual treatment is offered, the community is better equipped to handle the diverse, sometimes extreme needs of its youth. References and exhibit