Monica Saxby Parker, M.A, LPC Director, Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
Overview: Project Keys
SAFE Overview
to Successful Outcomes
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Project SAFE (serving adolescents and families effectively) is a diversion program targeting juvenile offenders with behavioral health challenges between the ages of 12 and 17, charged with an offense and referred to the Douglas County Juvenile Court. This project offers mental health treatment, creative interventions, support and coordination services to youth that have court involvement and behavioral health concerns. This program is designed to help prevent incarceration or reincarceration of juvenile offenders and address previously unidentified and untreated mental health concerns.
ď‚ž Mission
Statement:
To screen, diagnose, and treat mental health concerns of appropriately identified juveniles, ages 12-17, by utilizing evidence-based assessments and clinical interventions in conjunction with collaborative case management as an alternative to formal court proceedings.
Youth ages 12-17 with moderate behavioral health concerns, or a co-occurring substance abuse or dependency diagnosis. (All youth must meet this requirement)
Youth participating in the program must have Medicaid, Managed Care Medicaid, Peachcare, or uninsured and eligible for a reduction in fees based on income.
Must be a Non-violent first time offender (OR fall into one of the below categories);
Youth that are not first time offenders, but deemed appropriate by DJJ or Court Staff (charge must still be non-violent) will be reviewed for consideration on a case by case basis.
Youth with DFCS involvement, that began DFCS involvement with prior legal charge or incurred a legal charge while under involvement with DFCS. (May be non-violent first offender OR non-violent repeat offender)
While the program has no formal exclusion criteria with respect to charges or mental illness, youth deemed to pose a serious public safety threat may be excluded from the program.
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A recent research brief from the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice cites studies that have found up to 70% of children involved in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental illness (Skowyra & Cocozza, 2006). Although data indicates over 70% of juvenile offenders have mental illness, only 14% of adjudicated cases resulted in alternative dispositions (e.g., referral to a mental health agency rather than formal probation). Research also indicates 1 in 5 children have a diagnosable mental illness or addictive disorder and 1 in 10 have a serious emotional disturbance that significantly impairs functioning at school, home, and in the community (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 1999).
SAMSHA
YORP (Youth Offender Reentry Program)
Review
of YORP program data and building Project SAFE from gaps related to juvenile justice and mental health services
Initial
Entry vs. Re-entry
Incentives include 1)charge may get dismissed after successful program completion; 2) No formal supervision (probation); 3) term of school expulsion may be reduced upon negation with school officials.
Sanctions….if youth fail to comply, they risk 1) having formal charges brought against them; 2) appearing before the court; and 3) having formal supervision (*Project SAFE will allow for 2 “warnings” and on 3rd violation sanctions would be imposed)
If parents fail to comply, the Judge may file a motion for contempt and issue a protective order.
Six
Month Planning Process
Forming the Collaboration Team Joint Ownership Memorandum of Understandings Payment for Services/Funding Identification of the target population Development of Goals, Mission, Roles of Agencies Development of Referral Process Development of Treatment Program Identification of Barriers Cross-Trainings and Community Education
MAYSI Screening in Place an Intake Process at Juvenile Court On-Site Family Scheduling/linkage from Juvenile Court Interagency Treatment Planning Team Mandatory Family Participation Advisory Team for On-going Oversight Flexible & Creative Treatment Options/Interventions Target – Serve yr 1: 16 youth; yr 2: 32; yr 3: 32
Total
Number of Youth Referred for Diversion: 59 520 were screened 46 Accepted / Started Project SAFE 26 females; 20 males Only1 youth was re-arrested / received new charge since program implementation Top Axis I MH Issues: 1. Mood Disorders (Anxiety, Anger, Depression) 2. ADD Spectrum
AGE DISTRIBUTION Age
12
13
14
15
16
17
# of Youth
3
11
13
12
4
3
Assessments
of process and outcome. Process evaluation activities are specifically designed to provide feedback to staff that can be used to improve project performance. The evaluator monitors ongoing activities of the initiative through various methods with project staff and other key stakeholders. Outcome measures related to this project center on juvenile justice and mental health collaboration, professional training and development, and services implementation.
Project
Deborah Duewson, MPH dduewson@cobbcsb.com
Clinical
Director Therapist & Services Coordinator
Richard Hamilton, LAPC rhamilton@cobbcsb.com
www.projectsafega.org
ď‚ž Monica
Saxby Parker, MA, LPC
ď‚ž Director,
Health
Child & Adolescent Behavioral
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities msparker1@dhr.state.ga.us