AG 2006 06 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

;;;;;;..111;'111\1;;;;;1 COMPONENT SUMMARY (attach for each component) · Statemenfoftl1eProblent' In concise terminology, describe the juvenile justice problem(s) to address and how these services meet the needs or service gaps identified in the JCPC Annual Plan. Adolescents are at high risk in today's society to develop socially unacceptable behaviors. Statistics substantiate that they will engage in criminal activity without appropriate and timely intervention. Truancy, stealing, sexual promiscuity, physical and verbal aggression, school apathy, and drug use are results of various factors impacting the child's life such as family conflict and dysfunction. There are parenting issues, abuse and neglect concerns, as well as domestic violence in the homes of many troubled youth. Home Based Services provides intervention in the home, the core of the child's world. By impacting change in the home, there is greater chance for success at school and in the community. Home Based Services has a proven track record of success in identifying and offering support as well as resources to counteract risk factors and issues influencing a child's behavior. . rargeip()pulati<m Describe the target population and steps taken to insure that the ta~ t population is served. The population served by Home Based includes at-risk youth who have undisciplined and/or delinquent behaviors. Some of these youth have been adjudicated, while others are referred to HB during the intake process at DJJ. The adolescents range in age of 10-17, are referred by DJJ, and are at risk of placement due to their behavior. Parents, as previously stated, are a vital part in working with Home Based Services since the family unit is our client. Thorough assessments are made on each referral. As a voluntary program, the staff works very hard to encourage participation among all family members. Parents must be willing to work on issues to maintain the child in the home. With caseloads of ten clients per counselor/social worker, the goal is to to have the ability to work more intricately with the target population within the home and also have contact with the adolescent at school, and in the community when needed. We work around the family's schedule to make meeting times convenient for the family. Referrals not accepted for services are often evaluated for other alternative interventions when warranted. j:!rogrsrn.Gpal(s).... State the effeCfthis.cofriPOl1iJnfisdesigiled.tchavedn 'Sdlviilgthe{Jroblem described IIlIove. . ....... ..... ..... .... . ... ......... ........ ....... .... ... ... '. ...... ..... .... The overall goal of Home Based Services is to keep families together while assisting identified youth in changing delinquent and undisciplined behavior. These services offer in-home intervention to address behavioral issues, focusing on the entire family-the key in helping to truly impact a child's long-term behavior modification. By Observing the parent/child relationship first-hand in the home setting, Home Based Services helps to identify the source of conflict, counsel with all parties, and work with parents to help them understand their role in impacting change in the home and in the child's life. Working with parents to develop effective methods in encouraging positive change is a crucial element, and one dealt with through parenting instruction and guidance. By maintaining the case for up to six months and then conducting follow up contacts routinely with the family, the program helps parents better understand their role and the need to be consistent in parenting styles and expectations. Issues are addressed that may impede a parent's ability to be successful (such as emotional or mental health issues, domestic violence, or even substance abuse). Resources are provided when needed to further help stabilize the family. Better communication is also encouraged, which also leads to better family functioning. Helping to identify resources in the community, such as parenting classes and mentoring programs, to help lessen stressors in the family and bring them closer together is another critical goal of our efforts. Home Based staff are able to address issues more timely by having contact with the family on a regular basis, and seeing the issues more realistically. Goals are established with the family that impacts change at home and inevitably for the adolescent in school as well. With more parental involvement, supervision, or the interest of another adult, such as a role model or mentor, the child has a greater incentive to succeed with less persistent behavior problems. Home Based Counselors, by building relationship with the adolescent and giving him/her a voice, has the opportunity to help encourage a commitment to school and build motivation for a more positive school and life experience. f-\5