NCJ Number
207331
Date Published
2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the need for a continuum of performance-based services for youth, specifically the need for appropriate preventive care, factors impacting the infrastructure and redefining terms to enable the community to be successful.
Abstract
In this chapter, a case is made for working with children as early as possible, before any indication of trouble in school or involvement in the juvenile justice system. It sets out to redefine collaboration, value, prevention, problem solving, continuum of services, and program success. In examining the need for preventive services, the need for appropriate help on the path of independent adulthood for children and juveniles, the need for community organization and focus, and the need in changing public institutional focus are discussed. In addition, there are societal factors that complicate the ability to provide basic services. These factors are discussed and include: economy, ecology, release of ex-offenders, growth of minority populations, and returning to the community. In making communities as strong as they can be, there must be a new way of thinking or a redefining of the terms to enable a community to be successful. These include changing the collaboration process from being a resources grab to a process of value building, focusing on wellness, not curing an illness, enabling the community by building ideas, productively strengthening what already exists, and redefining the comprehensive strategy to be a developmental continuum of services. The ultimate goal of programs and ideas should be to help the individual or youth attain productive citizenship. References