Missouri DSS Division of Youth Services Every young person served

Missouri DSS Division of Youth Services Every young person served by DYS will become a productive citizen and lead a fulfilling life.

Mo. Juvenile Justice 101 DYS a Division of the Department of Social Services DYS works with 45 separate juvenile circuits and 24 locally operated juvenile detention centers DYS administers a Juvenile Court Diversion program the purposes of strengthening local systems and reducing commitments DYS typically retains jurisdiction for juvenile offenders until discharged or until the youth reaches age 18 Juvenile court can retain jurisdiction until age 21 for abuse/neglect, status offenders, and law violators Missouri’s “age of majority” is 17 years of age for new offenses, which are then processed in the adult courts Missouri Division of Youth Services

Missouri DYS Recognitions Hosted visits from over 25 states focused on humane therapeutic approaches, outcomes, and long-term cost effectiveness Designated Guiding Light of Reform by American Youth Policy Forum finding treatment and least restrictive care as far more successful than incarceration-oriented programs (2001) Named model juvenile justice site by the Annie E. Casey and Edna McConnell Clark Foundations and National Council on Crime and Delinquency (2003) Annie E. Casey Innovations in American Government Award in Children and Family System Reform from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Ash Institute (2008) Missouri Division of Youth Services

Changing Systems for Youth and Families Changing our end destination often involves starting from a fundamentally different place. Philosophy/Culture x Practice Results Missouri Division of Youth Services

Current Challenge of Juvenile Justice Systems A NEW BALANCE Prevention Public Safety Treatment Positive Youth Development Missouri Division of Youth Services

Mo.DYS Beliefs and Philosophies values driven what works People desire to do well and succeed - even the most resistant youth hunger for approval and acceptance. We are more alike than different - everyone has fears, insecurities, and basic needs including safety, attention, and belonging. All behavior has a purpose - behavior is often a symptom of unmet needs. People do the best they can with the resources available to them – given limited behavioral and emotional options and resources and situations they have experienced, their behavior may seem logical. The family is vital in the treatment process - family expertise and participation is essential in the youth's treatment process, and can also help facilitate system change within family. Missouri Division of Youth Services

Our Journey: From Correctional to Therapeutic and Developmental Fundamentally changing our view of young people and families, moving beyond behavior and stereotypes (youth and families) Values/mission as our foundation - unrelenting compassion, determined to find what works (e.g. hard heads, soft hearts) Young people and families in the “center” of everything we do Program and services fits youth (family); not the youth fits the program/services Systemic perspective, beyond programmatic/best practice model Results (change versus compliance ) Missouri Division of Youth Services

Key State Reforms Supporting Evolution of Mo.DYS Closing of large institutional Training Schools De-centralized administrative structure and continuum of care (5 regions) DYS Advisory Board, Community Liaison Councils Juvenile Court Diversion and technical assistance and partnerships with communities Legislative (e.g. rehabilitative approach, indeterminate sentencing, school district status, dual jurisdiction) Building and expanding resource base over time Missouri Division of Youth Services

Missouri DYS – Systemic Approach Beliefs Sustainable Practices and Exemplary Results 1. Leadership 2. Organizational culture change 3. Highly effective strategy or approach 4. Constituency building Missouri Division of Youth Services

Missouri’s Approach Small programs, close to home Regionalized approach, geographic distribution Least restrictive continuum of care: 4 million invested in juvenile court diversion – 39 circuit courts Community care with wraparound services 11 day treatment and family resource centers 7 group homes 18 moderate care programs 7 hardware secure programs Allows for flexible use based on youth and family strengths/needs Humane environments – safety building blocks creating physical and emotional safety Natural home-like environments; basic needs met Structure/facilitation; eyes-on, ears-on, hearts-on supervision Missouri Division of Youth Services

Missouri’s Approach “Group systems” – therapeutic intervention, youth development, and social-emotional competence through group “circles”, daily group meetings, and experiential group projects. Fully integrated treatment approach – trauma informed approach focused on emotional healing, self-awareness and cognitive-behavioral, youth development, family systems. Healthy marriage between treatment and education – creating a therapeutic one-room schoolhouse. Universal case management – continuity, youth and family advocacy – start to finish. Family and community engagement – outreach to homes, responsive visitation policies, family therapy and engagement, interface with community liaison councils. Missouri Division of Youth Services

Correctional Rehabilitative External Controls Lock-up External control Positional Power, Autocratic, No Relationship Inmates Majors, Lieutenants, Sergeants Correctional Officers, Security Workers, Security Family/Community as problem Regiment, rules Custodial supervision Behavioral Compliance TRADITIONAL Vs. Safety 1st Continuum of Services Facilitation Healthy Hierarchy, Boundaries, Relationship Young people Leaders, Managers, Directors Youth Workers, Service Coordinators, Counselors Family/Community as partners Structure, order Engaged interaction Internalized Change TREATMENT Missouri Division of Youth Services

Correctional vs. Rehabilitative Traditional Youth Corrections Therapeutic & Developmental Missouri Division of Youth Services

Correctional vs. Rehabilitative Traditional Youth Corrections Therapeutic & Developmental Missouri Division of Youth Services

Correctional vs. Rehabilitative Traditional Youth Corrections Therapeutic & Developmental Missouri Division of Youth Services

Correctional vs. Rehabilitative Traditional Youth Corrections Therapeutic & Developmental Missouri Division of Youth Services