AG 2005 06 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMPONENT SUMMARY attach for each component :St~tem~nt.oi;ihe'P"6bl~1l1 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 and statistics substantiate that they will engage in criminal activity without appropriate and timely intervention. These behaviors are the result of various risk fact<;>rs and are often displayed within the school selting, impeding their chance for learning and success in life. Nearly ninety percent of youth who present at intake for delinquent offenses have school problems ranging from minor to serious. Early and appropriate intervention is the key to prevent behaviors from escalating to more severe anti-social behaviors, such as truancy, stealing, sexual promiscuity, physical and verbal aggression, school apathy, and drug use. Most behaviors, while affected by various risk factors in the community and at school; are influenced by what is happening within the child's home selting. 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 a child's. world. 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. By impacting change in the home, there is reater chance for success at school and in the communi Describe the tar et 0 ulation and steps taken to insure that the tar et po utation is served. The population served by Home Based includes at-risk youth who are adjudicated delinquent andlor undisciplined. The adolescents, ages 10-17, are referred by DJJ and are at risk of placement due to their behavior. Assessments are attempted on each referral. The family unit is the client, and parents serve a vital role in working with Home Based Services. 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 families per counselor/social worker, the goal is to have the ability to work more intricately with the target population In the home and also have contact with the adolescent at school and in the community when needed. Home visits are schedule to accommodate the family's schedule and make meeting times convenient. Referrals not opened. for services are often evaluated for other alternative interventions when .warranted. overall goal of Home Based Services is to keep together while assisting Identified youth. in Changing delinquent and undiscipiined 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 modifi"ation. By observing the parenUchild relationship in the home setting, Home Based Services seeks 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 the child's life. Working with parents to develop effective methods in encouraging positive change is a cruciai element and dealt with through parenting education and guidance. The goal is to help parents become more aware of 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 their own past issues relating to how they were parented, a iack of understanding about adolescent norms, or famiiy conflict. Other issues may involve emotional or mental health issues, domestic violence, or even substance abuse. , Identifying and linking family members with resources in the community to help lessen stressors in the family is another critical goal. Better communication is also encouraged, which leads to better family functioning. Adolescents are also provided with outlets to explore their feeling as well as behavioral management issues. Home Based staff are able to address issues more timely by having contact with ihe adolescent and family on a regular basis, and seeing issues more realistically from various perspectives. Ultimately, when there is improvement in family relations and Support is provided for the adolescent, there will be positive change outside of the home. With more parental involvement, supervision, or the interest of another adult, such as a role modei or mentor, the child has a greater incentive. to succeed with less persistent behavior problems. Home Based Counselors, by building a 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. r---4-