Creating a Treatment Milieu in Residential Programs for Delinquent Youngsters

• NCJ Number: 196015
• Journal: Juvenile Correctional Mental Health Report Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: March/April 2002 Pages: 35-36,39
• Author(s): Ralph E. Kelly; Mallory Hurst
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes the structural, treatment, and training changes that have occurred in Kentucky's juvenile residential centers in complying with a consent decree signed voluntarily by the governor and other State officials on December 4, 1995, in the context of legal action occasioned by identified violations of the statutory and constitutional rights of the juveniles housed in Kentucky's juvenile residential centers as of July 28, 1995.

Abstract

Structural changes have included the hiring of a contract psychiatrist to serve a minimum of 4 hours per week on-site; each facility's hiring of a full-time, certified/licensed psychologist/psychological associate to oversee mental health services; the implementation of multidisciplinary teams to make most decisions regarding treatment for a juvenile; statewide planning and supervision of mental health services and treatment; improved communication and expanded team activities; and making residential service a part of the continuum of services provided to youth. Treatment changes have included the use of integrated treatment plans; a new emphasis on mental health issues that includes screening, monitoring, and treatment; a new emphasis on vocational training; individualized education programs; standardized medical practice; and a focus on changing the quality of life by providing activities outside the residential facilities. There has been a continuing effort to enhance the treatment curriculum and redefine treatment philosophy and practices, along with the restructuring of staff attitudes and the creation of the Blue Grass Assessment Center to assess juveniles first coming into the juvenile corrections system. There has also been a new emphasis on intensive aftercare for high-risk juveniles. Training for juvenile corrections staff has been implemented statewide through regional training for all staff, as well as through informal training in the context of team and staff meetings at individual facilities.