NCJ Number
235537
Date Published
June 2010
Length
234 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of an evaluation of Colorado's family advocacy demonstration programs for juveniles with mental health or co-occurring disorders and who are already involved or at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
Juveniles with mental illness or co-occurring disorders often have difficulty in navigating the many systems involved in providing services. One means of facilitating access to and case management for these multiple services is the use of family advocates, who are trained in and committed to ensuring the best outcomes for juveniles with mental health or other co-occurring needs. In 2007, the Colorado Legislature passed legislation that created family advocacy demonstration programs, which incorporate the use of family advocates, who serve families with children and youth who have mental health and co-occurring disorders. Demonstration programs were established in urban, suburban, and rural communities. The evaluation of these pilot programs found that advocacy was most effective when assistance for participants began immediately after an arrest or the filing of charges. Language barriers were common problems; additional resources should be made available for translators and bilingual staff. Programs and staff seemed to function most effectively when there were clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each aspect of the program; accountability methods existed within and across organizations; the family advocate's role and activities focused on the juveniles and families enrolled in the program; and there was a link with an established family advocacy organization. In order to determine specific outcomes for juveniles involved in the pilot programs, it will be necessary to obtain details about the services juveniles and their families received in relation to the specific needs of each juvenile and his/her family. This will require a longer follow-up period and a comparison group. 71 tables, 15 references, and 14 appendixes that include relevant legislation and various evaluation forms