NCJ Number
161353
Date Published
Unknown
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report profiles the Youth Services System (YSS) in Wheeling, W.V., which is designed to serve chronic juvenile status offenders.
Abstract
Currently, the YSS operates a regional alternative service network for the northern panhandle area of West Virginia. Approximately 85 percent of the clients are referrals from the local courts, police agencies, the school system, and welfare agencies. The remaining 15 percent are walk-ins. The approach of YSS appears to be better suited to the needs of a smaller community than the drop-in center outreach programs found in larger urban areas. YSS currently operates 11 programs, five of which are residential and six nonresidential. The Samaritan House Emergency Shelter is a nonsecure emergency shelter for males aged 12-17, and the Helinsky Emergency Shelter and Alternative School is a coed facility for youths aged 12 to 17. The Female Diagnostic Unit conducts formal placement evaluations for first- time female offenders, and the Northern Regional Juvenile Detention Facility is a 14-bed secure detention center. In the Independent Living Program, youths live together in a residential facility while they participate in a program that teaches self- management skills. In the second phase of the program, those who have proved capable of self-management live in an "off-campus" apartment for 3 to 6 months. Nonresidential day programs focus on education and vocational services as well as a community counseling service.