The document summarizes the findings of the Hawaii Juvenile Justice Working Group. Over the past decade, juvenile arrests and commitments to the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility have declined significantly. However, the youth who are committed are staying longer. The Working Group found that a majority of youth admitted to HYCF have committed misdemeanors or nonviolent offenses and have limited criminal histories. Each bed at HYCF costs $199,320 per year but 75% of youth are reconvicted within 3 years, indicating a poor return on investment. The Working Group was tasked with developing policy recommendations to improve outcomes for youth and better utilize resources.
PCG Human Services White Paper - Transitional Aged Youth Need Supports to Ach...Public Consulting Group
This document discusses supports needed for transitional aged youth (TAY) in foster care to achieve self-sufficiency. It defines TAY as those between ages 16-24 transitioning from foster care and notes they face higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, and lack of education without support. The document recommends child welfare agencies take a collaborative, outcome-based approach across five areas of support: social supports, health care, employment, housing, and education. It provides details on federal programs that address these areas, including Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.
While Florida has made progress in reforming its child welfare system since privatizing 20 years ago, including finding more permanent homes for children and increasing transparency, significant challenges remain. Foster home availability and stability are still issues, especially for children with complex needs. Case manager turnover is high at 37% statewide on average, and child deaths remain high at 473 in 2015. Further reform will be difficult until Florida stabilizes the large policy swings in reaction to crises and instead develops a unified long-term strategy focused on keeping children safe.
This document discusses the issue of foster care youth becoming homeless after aging out of the foster care system in New York City. Over 28,000 children are currently in foster care in NYC, many having come from abusive or neglectful homes. When these youth turn 21, they age out of the system and are at high risk of becoming homeless due to lack of housing, employment, education, and support services. Recent legislation and initiatives have aimed to better track outcomes for former foster youth and hold agencies accountable for ensuring their success after aging out.
Putting Children First: Session 2.4.B Mike Wessells - Strengthening community...The Impact Initiative
Putting Children First: Identifying solutions and taking action to tackle poverty and inequality in Africa.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 23-25 October 2017
This three-day international conference aimed to engage policy makers, practitioners and researchers in identifying solutions for fighting child poverty and inequality in Africa, and in inspiring action towards change. The conference offered a platform for bridging divides across sectors, disciplines and policy, practice and research.
Focus on Youth is an 8-session HIV and pregnancy prevention program for African American youth ages 12-15. It uses interactive activities like games and roleplays to provide facts about HIV/STDs and teach decision-making, communication, and negotiation skills. Originally called Focus on Kids, it was adapted based on feedback from pilot programs. Evaluations found the intervention increased condom use and reduced risky behaviors more than a control program. The curriculum aims to empower youth to make healthy decisions by addressing social pressures and risks of unsafe behaviors.
Juvenile Diversionary Programs in TexasAlaina Moeai
The document discusses juvenile diversion programs in Texas and their goals of redirecting youth offenders from the justice system through supervision and support services. It provides details about the statewide Community Youth Development (CYD) program and the local Tejano Center for Community Concerns Juvenile Justice Diversion Program in Houston. Both programs aim to prevent delinquency by providing services like academic support, life skills training, and family counseling. Research shows that diversion programs can reduce probation referrals and improve school performance when comprehensive services are provided by experienced caseworkers.
The document discusses issues facing foster youth who age out of the foster care system at 18. It finds that these youth often experience negative outcomes like homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration at much higher rates than the general population. It evaluates the need for a program to better support foster youth as they transition to independence. The goal would be to implement a new program that helps prepare foster youth for adulthood through extended care and services, leading to improved and more productive lives.
This document discusses children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). It provides information on the prevalence of CYSHCN in the US from national survey data. It describes how CYSHCN are more likely to experience adverse childhood experiences and health disparities. The document also discusses social determinants of health, minoritized CYSHCN populations, evolution of public policy, unique needs of CYSHCN families, life course approach, mental health challenges, health care financing challenges, Medicaid/CHIP coverage, medical home model, importance of family engagement, care coordination challenges, educational supports, transition planning needs, and conclusions regarding maternal and child health programs supporting CYSHCN.
PCG Human Services White Paper - Transitional Aged Youth Need Supports to Ach...Public Consulting Group
This document discusses supports needed for transitional aged youth (TAY) in foster care to achieve self-sufficiency. It defines TAY as those between ages 16-24 transitioning from foster care and notes they face higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, and lack of education without support. The document recommends child welfare agencies take a collaborative, outcome-based approach across five areas of support: social supports, health care, employment, housing, and education. It provides details on federal programs that address these areas, including Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.
While Florida has made progress in reforming its child welfare system since privatizing 20 years ago, including finding more permanent homes for children and increasing transparency, significant challenges remain. Foster home availability and stability are still issues, especially for children with complex needs. Case manager turnover is high at 37% statewide on average, and child deaths remain high at 473 in 2015. Further reform will be difficult until Florida stabilizes the large policy swings in reaction to crises and instead develops a unified long-term strategy focused on keeping children safe.
This document discusses the issue of foster care youth becoming homeless after aging out of the foster care system in New York City. Over 28,000 children are currently in foster care in NYC, many having come from abusive or neglectful homes. When these youth turn 21, they age out of the system and are at high risk of becoming homeless due to lack of housing, employment, education, and support services. Recent legislation and initiatives have aimed to better track outcomes for former foster youth and hold agencies accountable for ensuring their success after aging out.
Putting Children First: Session 2.4.B Mike Wessells - Strengthening community...The Impact Initiative
Putting Children First: Identifying solutions and taking action to tackle poverty and inequality in Africa.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 23-25 October 2017
This three-day international conference aimed to engage policy makers, practitioners and researchers in identifying solutions for fighting child poverty and inequality in Africa, and in inspiring action towards change. The conference offered a platform for bridging divides across sectors, disciplines and policy, practice and research.
Focus on Youth is an 8-session HIV and pregnancy prevention program for African American youth ages 12-15. It uses interactive activities like games and roleplays to provide facts about HIV/STDs and teach decision-making, communication, and negotiation skills. Originally called Focus on Kids, it was adapted based on feedback from pilot programs. Evaluations found the intervention increased condom use and reduced risky behaviors more than a control program. The curriculum aims to empower youth to make healthy decisions by addressing social pressures and risks of unsafe behaviors.
Juvenile Diversionary Programs in TexasAlaina Moeai
The document discusses juvenile diversion programs in Texas and their goals of redirecting youth offenders from the justice system through supervision and support services. It provides details about the statewide Community Youth Development (CYD) program and the local Tejano Center for Community Concerns Juvenile Justice Diversion Program in Houston. Both programs aim to prevent delinquency by providing services like academic support, life skills training, and family counseling. Research shows that diversion programs can reduce probation referrals and improve school performance when comprehensive services are provided by experienced caseworkers.
The document discusses issues facing foster youth who age out of the foster care system at 18. It finds that these youth often experience negative outcomes like homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration at much higher rates than the general population. It evaluates the need for a program to better support foster youth as they transition to independence. The goal would be to implement a new program that helps prepare foster youth for adulthood through extended care and services, leading to improved and more productive lives.
This document discusses children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). It provides information on the prevalence of CYSHCN in the US from national survey data. It describes how CYSHCN are more likely to experience adverse childhood experiences and health disparities. The document also discusses social determinants of health, minoritized CYSHCN populations, evolution of public policy, unique needs of CYSHCN families, life course approach, mental health challenges, health care financing challenges, Medicaid/CHIP coverage, medical home model, importance of family engagement, care coordination challenges, educational supports, transition planning needs, and conclusions regarding maternal and child health programs supporting CYSHCN.
This document discusses advocacy and policy development in maternal and child health (MCH). It defines advocacy as supporting a cause or proposal, which can occur at the individual, organizational, or community level. Advocacy is important for MCH to address inequities and ensure the needs of vulnerable groups like women and children are heard by policymakers. Advocacy strategies can include legislative, interagency, and judicial approaches. Successful advocacy requires assessing problems and solutions, clear messaging, and coalition-building directed at appropriate decision-makers. The example of the Maternal and Child Health Coalition that advocated for the Children's Health Insurance Program demonstrates long-term advocacy strategies.
This document discusses historical changes in adolescence and provides demographic data on current adolescents. It covers topics like adolescent health status, influences on adolescent health, morbidity and mortality, injuries, violence, substance use, sexuality and STIs. Data on mental health, suicide, school shootings and discipline is also presented. Disparities are highlighted between different racial, ethnic and sexual minority groups.
Teagen Johnson: CHNA Dane County, WI: Creighton MPH602Teagen Johnson
The document provides a community health needs assessment for Dane County, Wisconsin. It outlines the assessment process, which includes defining the community, identifying stakeholders, collecting and analyzing demographic and health indicator data, and prioritizing issues. Key findings include the county's diverse and educated population with access to healthcare, lower than average rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease but high rates of chronic disease overall. Teen pregnancy and low birthweight are relatively low concerns.
Improving benefits access for children in foster careMadeline Daniels
This document discusses ways to improve access to four major public benefit programs for children in foster care and young people transitioning from foster care. It recommends that child welfare advocates work to ensure foster children are included in outreach efforts and that states adopt policies screening foster youth for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), free school meals, and Medicaid eligibility. Key policies discussed include directly certifying foster children for free school meals, adopting procedures to enroll former foster youth in SNAP and screen them for SSI as they transition from care, and extending Medicaid eligibility to former foster youth up to age 26.
Outdoor Advertising Agency - Global Advertisers: The Ultimate Choice in Outdoor Advertising
Premium Quality Hoardings at Prominent Areas of Mumbai, Maharashtra
For attractive package deals contact us now – Mr. Sanjeev Gupta -9820082849 / sanjeev@globaladvertisers.in
www.globaladvertisers.in
Presentation of the Alternative reports for the situation with the children's rights in the Republic of Macedonia prepared by Macedonian National Coalition for Children's Rights coordinated by the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi,
"In the last years, Republic of Macedonia has overcome many political and economic obstacles, but from the children's rights perspective the progress is limited.... (on the contrary) the situation of the children in Macedonia is becoming in many aspects worse. Even besides the turbulent legislative reforms and writing politics, the children and their families, especially the poor children and poor families are missing out the rights of quality health care and education and the rights of inclusion and involvement..." More information about the situation with the children in Macedonia was revealed on the press conference.
Speakers on the press conference were:
MA Dragi Zmijanac -- Executive Director and Founder of the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi, was speaking about the recommendations from the non-governmental organizations to the Committee for the rights of the child
Keti Jandrijeska Jovanova -- Attorney at law from the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, was speaking about the contents of the Alternative report for the Convention for the rights of the child
MA Dragi Zmijanac -- Executive Director of the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi, was speaking about the Alternative reports for the Optional protocols
Svetlana Mulqueen -- Report editor from the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi, was speaking about the process of preparation of the Alternative report
Moderator: Katerina Koneska -- Attorney at law from First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi
You can download the report here
This document summarizes a job analysis that was conducted for the role of a retail salesperson at RadioShack. It involved gathering information from the Occupational Information Network (ONET) database, interviews with subject matter experts including retail salespeople and their supervisor, and a job analysis questionnaire. The questionnaire identified the critical tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities for the role. Data analysis was conducted to identify the most important requirements, and these were linked to the tasks. Key requirements included actively listening to customers, product knowledge, and the ability to adapt to changing information.
This document discusses the four types of police reports that officers should be familiar with:
Type 1 reports involve the officer recording information but taking no action. Type 2 reports involve the officer recording information and taking action like an investigation or arrest. Type 3 reports involve the officer becoming part of the scenario, such as pursuing a suspect. Type 4 reports involve the officer initiating involvement after seeing or hearing something suspicious, and probable cause must be included. The document provides details on the requirements and characteristics of each type of report.
This job analysis report summarizes the steps taken to identify the important tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job of a Retail Manager. Surveys were administered to subject matter experts currently working as Retail Managers. The responses were analyzed to determine the essential tasks and KSAs, and their importance and frequency. A job description outlining the critical tasks and required KSAs was developed based on the analysis.
This document provides an overview and requirements for a Financial Planning Sales position. The role involves researching and identifying client sectors, developing a sales process including initial contact and presentations, and maintaining sales records. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in business or finance, be Certified Financial Planners, and be able to sit for prolonged periods and travel 25% of the time. Key responsibilities include growing sales by 30% in the first year and developing the sales department.
This document summarizes barriers to addressing youth homelessness in California. It finds that while federal programs like RHYA are effective, they are underfunded and California does not receive its proportional share. California's investment in reducing youth homelessness has not increased since 1988. Housing development has been the primary strategy but many youth providers lack capacity for HUD funding. Collaboration between youth homelessness providers and child welfare/juvenile justice systems is limited, and transition services are insufficient for youth exiting foster care and juvenile probation. Current licensing regulations also create barriers for youth accessing shelters.
The document summarizes a proposal from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative (Casey) to reform how the federal government funds child welfare services. The proposal, titled "When Child Welfare Works", aims to align federal funding with best practices. It recommends limiting federal reimbursement for foster care to 36 months, eliminating reimbursement for shelter care and residential care of children under 13, and limiting reimbursement for residential care of older children to 12 months. The goals are to promote permanency, support family-like settings, improve workforce continuity and increase accountability. The summary analyzes the implications and challenges of implementing the Casey recommendations.
This document provides a summary of child protection baseline reports from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Key findings include:
1. Legislative frameworks around child protection are inadequate and not fully compliant with international standards. Reforms are needed to strengthen laws and increase awareness of existing laws.
2. Child protection social services are limited in scope and capacity. Referral systems between agencies like police and social services need improvement.
3. Most communities do not have formal child protection plans and community awareness of child rights and protections is low. Efforts are needed to develop and publicize community-level plans.
What critical issues are raised from the examination of developmen.docxphilipnelson29183
What critical issues are raised from the examination of development problems and prospects facing Brazil?
Their problems to be:
Our course is going to deal with the problems of underdeveloped countries. Share your experience of underdeveloped countries and what you believe their problems to be.
12
OJJDP Journal of Juvenile Justice
Developing an Alternative Juvenile Programming Effort to
Reduce Detention Overreliance
Jacqueline G. van Wormer, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
Christopher Campbell, Por tland State University, Por tland, Oregon
Jacqueline G. van Wormer, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Washington State
University; Christopher Campbell, Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Portland State
University.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to: Jacqueline G. van Wormer,
Washington State University, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, 701 Johnson Tower,
Pullman, WA 99163. E-mail: [email protected]
K e y w o r d s : j u v e n i l e j u s t i c e , d e t e n t i o n , e v i d e n c e - b a s e d p r o g r a m m i n g , j u v e n i l e j u s t i c e r e f o r m s , o u t c o m e e v a l u a t i o n
Abstract
The assumption underlying juvenile detention
alternatives is that youth on probation receiving
programming or treatment are less likely to recidi-
vate, whereas youth in detention will be more
likely to recidivate. Under a coordinated justice
reform effort, a juvenile justice court system serv-
ing two southeastern counties in Washington state
developed a program (the FAST program) for pro-
bation violators that offered 2 sessions of account-
ability skill development to address targeted
criminogenic needs in lieu of a formalized hearing
and a subsequent stay in detention. The goal of
the FAST program for participating youth was to
reduce future probation violations and detention
stays. This paper presents an evaluation of the
FAST program using propensity score modeling
of 434 juvenile probation violators. A comparison
of matched groups shows the program does not
reduce recidivism or future probation violations
among participants, though it does produce the
same result as those who received detention. Our
explanation makes the case for increasing the
dosage (number of sessions) of violator programs,
which may be what is necessary to provide a more
effective alternative to detention.
Introduction
Secure detention for juvenile delinquents has
long been a systematic and cyclical method for
states to manage unruly youth. Though its gen-
eral distension in the “get tough” movement of
the 1980s and 1990s has recently ebbed, deten-
tion still remains a serious issue, and it is often
associated with an increased likelihood of later
recidivism (Holman & Ziedenberg, 2006; Mendel,
2009). Combined with increased probation dis-
positions and higher frequencies of subsequent
violations (Puzzanchera, Adams, & Sickmund,
.
The juvenile justice system in Alaska is divided among many state agencies. The Department of Health and Social Services oversees detention centers and aspects of juvenile cases like intake, investigations, and community diversion programs. Each juvenile correctional facility classifies juveniles based on risk levels and needs. The courts have jurisdiction over delinquency matters. In 2003, Alaska implemented a system improvement plan focused on community protection, offender accountability, and competency development. This included more in-depth risk assessments, supervision upon release, and addressing individual needs. The goal was to assess juveniles and provide support through case managers and programs.
The National Center for Youth Law is sponsoring a package of bills that aims to transform youth justice in California by focusing on diversion and rehabilitation for youth in contact with the law. Two bills would ensure youth under 12 and between 14-15 receive services through alternative programs instead of the formal justice system. Another bill would provide training to police on responding to sexually exploited children. A budget proposal would refer youth in foster care shelters to community programs instead of the justice system. The reforms aim to encourage healthy development for vulnerable youth by treating the underlying causes of their behaviors.
This document compares and contrasts two juvenile probation programs in Philadelphia: the Intensive Probation Aftercare Program (IAP) and the Police Athletic League (PAL). The IAP provides intensive supervision for high-risk juvenile offenders, while PAL focuses on using athletics and other activities to prevent juvenile delinquency. Both programs have had successes, but also room for improvement, such as ensuring proper staffing and supervision. The author argues that PAL is generally more effective due to its broad range of prevention-focused programs and activities for youth.
The study examined the impact of specialized services and placement types on commercially sexually exploited youth in Los Angeles County. Youth participated through surveys and interviews to provide their perspectives. Key findings included that youth preferred smaller, home-like placements but appreciated broader activities in larger placements. Specialized services and medium-sized group homes were associated with longer placement stability. While no single placement or service helped all youth, consistent support from caring, non-judgmental staff and maintaining family/peer relationships were important for well-being and healing. The study provided insights to develop more supportive, youth-centered systems.
The document summarizes a proposal from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative to reform how the federal government funds child welfare services. It proposes limiting federal reimbursement for foster care to 36 months total and using the savings to fund prevention services aimed at keeping families together. It argues that the current system over-emphasizes out-of-home placements and that funding should be shifted to evidence-based practices that preserve families and prevent unnecessary removals of children from their homes. The proposal aims to better align federal funding incentives with research showing the harm of foster care drift and benefits of family preservation.
This document discusses advocacy and policy development in maternal and child health (MCH). It defines advocacy as supporting a cause or proposal, which can occur at the individual, organizational, or community level. Advocacy is important for MCH to address inequities and ensure the needs of vulnerable groups like women and children are heard by policymakers. Advocacy strategies can include legislative, interagency, and judicial approaches. Successful advocacy requires assessing problems and solutions, clear messaging, and coalition-building directed at appropriate decision-makers. The example of the Maternal and Child Health Coalition that advocated for the Children's Health Insurance Program demonstrates long-term advocacy strategies.
This document discusses historical changes in adolescence and provides demographic data on current adolescents. It covers topics like adolescent health status, influences on adolescent health, morbidity and mortality, injuries, violence, substance use, sexuality and STIs. Data on mental health, suicide, school shootings and discipline is also presented. Disparities are highlighted between different racial, ethnic and sexual minority groups.
Teagen Johnson: CHNA Dane County, WI: Creighton MPH602Teagen Johnson
The document provides a community health needs assessment for Dane County, Wisconsin. It outlines the assessment process, which includes defining the community, identifying stakeholders, collecting and analyzing demographic and health indicator data, and prioritizing issues. Key findings include the county's diverse and educated population with access to healthcare, lower than average rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease but high rates of chronic disease overall. Teen pregnancy and low birthweight are relatively low concerns.
Improving benefits access for children in foster careMadeline Daniels
This document discusses ways to improve access to four major public benefit programs for children in foster care and young people transitioning from foster care. It recommends that child welfare advocates work to ensure foster children are included in outreach efforts and that states adopt policies screening foster youth for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), free school meals, and Medicaid eligibility. Key policies discussed include directly certifying foster children for free school meals, adopting procedures to enroll former foster youth in SNAP and screen them for SSI as they transition from care, and extending Medicaid eligibility to former foster youth up to age 26.
Outdoor Advertising Agency - Global Advertisers: The Ultimate Choice in Outdoor Advertising
Premium Quality Hoardings at Prominent Areas of Mumbai, Maharashtra
For attractive package deals contact us now – Mr. Sanjeev Gupta -9820082849 / sanjeev@globaladvertisers.in
www.globaladvertisers.in
Presentation of the Alternative reports for the situation with the children's rights in the Republic of Macedonia prepared by Macedonian National Coalition for Children's Rights coordinated by the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi,
"In the last years, Republic of Macedonia has overcome many political and economic obstacles, but from the children's rights perspective the progress is limited.... (on the contrary) the situation of the children in Macedonia is becoming in many aspects worse. Even besides the turbulent legislative reforms and writing politics, the children and their families, especially the poor children and poor families are missing out the rights of quality health care and education and the rights of inclusion and involvement..." More information about the situation with the children in Macedonia was revealed on the press conference.
Speakers on the press conference were:
MA Dragi Zmijanac -- Executive Director and Founder of the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi, was speaking about the recommendations from the non-governmental organizations to the Committee for the rights of the child
Keti Jandrijeska Jovanova -- Attorney at law from the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, was speaking about the contents of the Alternative report for the Convention for the rights of the child
MA Dragi Zmijanac -- Executive Director of the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi, was speaking about the Alternative reports for the Optional protocols
Svetlana Mulqueen -- Report editor from the First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi, was speaking about the process of preparation of the Alternative report
Moderator: Katerina Koneska -- Attorney at law from First Children's Embassy in the World Megjashi
You can download the report here
This document summarizes a job analysis that was conducted for the role of a retail salesperson at RadioShack. It involved gathering information from the Occupational Information Network (ONET) database, interviews with subject matter experts including retail salespeople and their supervisor, and a job analysis questionnaire. The questionnaire identified the critical tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities for the role. Data analysis was conducted to identify the most important requirements, and these were linked to the tasks. Key requirements included actively listening to customers, product knowledge, and the ability to adapt to changing information.
This document discusses the four types of police reports that officers should be familiar with:
Type 1 reports involve the officer recording information but taking no action. Type 2 reports involve the officer recording information and taking action like an investigation or arrest. Type 3 reports involve the officer becoming part of the scenario, such as pursuing a suspect. Type 4 reports involve the officer initiating involvement after seeing or hearing something suspicious, and probable cause must be included. The document provides details on the requirements and characteristics of each type of report.
This job analysis report summarizes the steps taken to identify the important tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job of a Retail Manager. Surveys were administered to subject matter experts currently working as Retail Managers. The responses were analyzed to determine the essential tasks and KSAs, and their importance and frequency. A job description outlining the critical tasks and required KSAs was developed based on the analysis.
This document provides an overview and requirements for a Financial Planning Sales position. The role involves researching and identifying client sectors, developing a sales process including initial contact and presentations, and maintaining sales records. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in business or finance, be Certified Financial Planners, and be able to sit for prolonged periods and travel 25% of the time. Key responsibilities include growing sales by 30% in the first year and developing the sales department.
This document summarizes barriers to addressing youth homelessness in California. It finds that while federal programs like RHYA are effective, they are underfunded and California does not receive its proportional share. California's investment in reducing youth homelessness has not increased since 1988. Housing development has been the primary strategy but many youth providers lack capacity for HUD funding. Collaboration between youth homelessness providers and child welfare/juvenile justice systems is limited, and transition services are insufficient for youth exiting foster care and juvenile probation. Current licensing regulations also create barriers for youth accessing shelters.
The document summarizes a proposal from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative (Casey) to reform how the federal government funds child welfare services. The proposal, titled "When Child Welfare Works", aims to align federal funding with best practices. It recommends limiting federal reimbursement for foster care to 36 months, eliminating reimbursement for shelter care and residential care of children under 13, and limiting reimbursement for residential care of older children to 12 months. The goals are to promote permanency, support family-like settings, improve workforce continuity and increase accountability. The summary analyzes the implications and challenges of implementing the Casey recommendations.
This document provides a summary of child protection baseline reports from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Key findings include:
1. Legislative frameworks around child protection are inadequate and not fully compliant with international standards. Reforms are needed to strengthen laws and increase awareness of existing laws.
2. Child protection social services are limited in scope and capacity. Referral systems between agencies like police and social services need improvement.
3. Most communities do not have formal child protection plans and community awareness of child rights and protections is low. Efforts are needed to develop and publicize community-level plans.
What critical issues are raised from the examination of developmen.docxphilipnelson29183
What critical issues are raised from the examination of development problems and prospects facing Brazil?
Their problems to be:
Our course is going to deal with the problems of underdeveloped countries. Share your experience of underdeveloped countries and what you believe their problems to be.
12
OJJDP Journal of Juvenile Justice
Developing an Alternative Juvenile Programming Effort to
Reduce Detention Overreliance
Jacqueline G. van Wormer, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
Christopher Campbell, Por tland State University, Por tland, Oregon
Jacqueline G. van Wormer, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Washington State
University; Christopher Campbell, Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Portland State
University.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to: Jacqueline G. van Wormer,
Washington State University, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, 701 Johnson Tower,
Pullman, WA 99163. E-mail: [email protected]
K e y w o r d s : j u v e n i l e j u s t i c e , d e t e n t i o n , e v i d e n c e - b a s e d p r o g r a m m i n g , j u v e n i l e j u s t i c e r e f o r m s , o u t c o m e e v a l u a t i o n
Abstract
The assumption underlying juvenile detention
alternatives is that youth on probation receiving
programming or treatment are less likely to recidi-
vate, whereas youth in detention will be more
likely to recidivate. Under a coordinated justice
reform effort, a juvenile justice court system serv-
ing two southeastern counties in Washington state
developed a program (the FAST program) for pro-
bation violators that offered 2 sessions of account-
ability skill development to address targeted
criminogenic needs in lieu of a formalized hearing
and a subsequent stay in detention. The goal of
the FAST program for participating youth was to
reduce future probation violations and detention
stays. This paper presents an evaluation of the
FAST program using propensity score modeling
of 434 juvenile probation violators. A comparison
of matched groups shows the program does not
reduce recidivism or future probation violations
among participants, though it does produce the
same result as those who received detention. Our
explanation makes the case for increasing the
dosage (number of sessions) of violator programs,
which may be what is necessary to provide a more
effective alternative to detention.
Introduction
Secure detention for juvenile delinquents has
long been a systematic and cyclical method for
states to manage unruly youth. Though its gen-
eral distension in the “get tough” movement of
the 1980s and 1990s has recently ebbed, deten-
tion still remains a serious issue, and it is often
associated with an increased likelihood of later
recidivism (Holman & Ziedenberg, 2006; Mendel,
2009). Combined with increased probation dis-
positions and higher frequencies of subsequent
violations (Puzzanchera, Adams, & Sickmund,
.
The juvenile justice system in Alaska is divided among many state agencies. The Department of Health and Social Services oversees detention centers and aspects of juvenile cases like intake, investigations, and community diversion programs. Each juvenile correctional facility classifies juveniles based on risk levels and needs. The courts have jurisdiction over delinquency matters. In 2003, Alaska implemented a system improvement plan focused on community protection, offender accountability, and competency development. This included more in-depth risk assessments, supervision upon release, and addressing individual needs. The goal was to assess juveniles and provide support through case managers and programs.
The National Center for Youth Law is sponsoring a package of bills that aims to transform youth justice in California by focusing on diversion and rehabilitation for youth in contact with the law. Two bills would ensure youth under 12 and between 14-15 receive services through alternative programs instead of the formal justice system. Another bill would provide training to police on responding to sexually exploited children. A budget proposal would refer youth in foster care shelters to community programs instead of the justice system. The reforms aim to encourage healthy development for vulnerable youth by treating the underlying causes of their behaviors.
This document compares and contrasts two juvenile probation programs in Philadelphia: the Intensive Probation Aftercare Program (IAP) and the Police Athletic League (PAL). The IAP provides intensive supervision for high-risk juvenile offenders, while PAL focuses on using athletics and other activities to prevent juvenile delinquency. Both programs have had successes, but also room for improvement, such as ensuring proper staffing and supervision. The author argues that PAL is generally more effective due to its broad range of prevention-focused programs and activities for youth.
The study examined the impact of specialized services and placement types on commercially sexually exploited youth in Los Angeles County. Youth participated through surveys and interviews to provide their perspectives. Key findings included that youth preferred smaller, home-like placements but appreciated broader activities in larger placements. Specialized services and medium-sized group homes were associated with longer placement stability. While no single placement or service helped all youth, consistent support from caring, non-judgmental staff and maintaining family/peer relationships were important for well-being and healing. The study provided insights to develop more supportive, youth-centered systems.
The document summarizes a proposal from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative to reform how the federal government funds child welfare services. It proposes limiting federal reimbursement for foster care to 36 months total and using the savings to fund prevention services aimed at keeping families together. It argues that the current system over-emphasizes out-of-home placements and that funding should be shifted to evidence-based practices that preserve families and prevent unnecessary removals of children from their homes. The proposal aims to better align federal funding incentives with research showing the harm of foster care drift and benefits of family preservation.
The document provides information from Thornby Hall, a residential therapeutic community for adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral issues resulting from early life trauma. It discusses Thornby Hall's experience with adolescents referred from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) who were struggling in psychiatric settings. The submission addresses several areas of concern with CAMHS, including large variations in resources/quality between areas, CAMHS sometimes avoiding responsibility by claiming clients do not meet diagnosis criteria, and CAMHS rarely addressing family issues that contribute to a client's presentation. Thornby Hall believes multi-agency collaboration is important for effective interventions but is often difficult to achieve. The adolescents from Thornby Hall prepared their own submission to share their experiences with
1) Approximately 3.2 million allegations of child abuse and neglect were made in 2007 involving 5.8 million children. 794,000 children were found to be victims that year.
2) CASA/GAL volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children in court. In 2008, there were 68,842 volunteers who donated over 5.8 million hours to serve 240,894 children.
3) Studies show that children with a CASA volunteer spend less time in foster care and are more likely to achieve permanency in their living situations.
This document summarizes research showing that investing in high-quality early childhood education and care can significantly reduce future crime and incarceration rates. It cites studies finding that preschool programs and home visiting initiatives have led to less abuse and neglect, fewer behavioral issues, improved school performance, higher graduation rates, and large decreases in criminal behavior - with participants up to 46% less likely to be imprisoned by age 40. Law enforcement leaders support expanding access to early education as a cost-effective strategy to improve public safety by preventing crime.
Indices for ranking performance are not new. For several decades now, every year, we have eagerly looked forward to the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI) to see how our country has been ranked – whether it has gone up or down. Education index, hunger index, health index – there are many to be found.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights
B1/2, Ground Floor,
Malviya Nagar
New Delhi - 110017
Tel: +91-26677412,26673599
Fax: +91-26674688
Website: www.haqcrc.org
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HaqCentreForChildRights
A program evaluation of alive to the world 2009 william & maryChus
This document provides a program evaluation of Alive to the World (AAQ), a character education program used in Latin America. It assesses the program's potential to promote democratic values based on surveys of students in Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela.
The initial survey results showed statistically significant positive impacts on students' attitudes related to democratic values. However, the survey methodology had limitations that require the results be interpreted cautiously. To address these, a new survey instrument and methodology were developed.
While further testing is needed, evidence supports that AAQ has the potential to positively impact democratic values in Latin America. Environmental factors not related to the program also influence values and must be considered. Overall, the evaluation finds promise for A
In the paper the author discusses all major aspects of the proposed legal and social services program including EBP, services flowchart, program structure, employee responsibilities, as well as program goals and implementation.
This document provides a literature review on community-based microfinance approaches for orphans and vulnerable children. It finds that savings groups that include caregivers and vulnerable children/youth as members can positively impact child well-being. Savings groups are effective at meeting goals, are scalable and inclusive, and provide a platform for complementary programming. However, the risk of increased child labor must be considered. Overall, there is a need for more rigorous research on savings groups directly engaging children/youth, especially orphans, as well as better monitoring of child outcomes in caregiver-focused interventions.
The document discusses issues with the current juvenile justice system in Arkansas and advocates for more community-based programs and services for at-risk youth as alternatives to incarceration. It notes that most youth who commit crimes desist from criminal behavior as they mature and that community programs have success rates over 90% in preventing recidivism. The costs of incarcerating one youth is over $131,000 annually whereas community programs save taxpayers millions by preventing children from lives of crime. It highlights real cases of youth helped by community support instead of incarceration.
This document summarizes research on the effectiveness of Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) volunteers. It finds that children with a CASA volunteer spend more time with the child, are more likely to have their recommendations accepted in court, and receive more ordered services. Additionally, children with a CASA volunteer are less likely to remain in long-term foster care, reenter the child welfare system, and are more likely to achieve a permanent plan of reunification or adoption. Judges report that CASA volunteers provide high quality, beneficial input that informs court decisions and supports court processes.
Balanced and restorative justice for juvenilessevans-idaho
- The juvenile justice system has traditionally focused on either treatment or punishment alone, but both approaches have failed to satisfy the needs of victims, communities, and offenders.
- A new model called Balanced and Restorative Justice aims to address these shortcomings by focusing on making amends to victims, increasing offender competencies, and protecting public safety through processes where victims, offenders, and communities are active participants.
- Implementing this model requires systemic reforms like developing new goals and resources, redefining roles, and piloting new programs that accomplish sanctioning, rehabilitation, and public safety objectives.
Similar to Juvenile justice working group report (20)
Gov. Ige sent a letter to California Congresswoman Anna Eshoo in response to her August 2020 request for information about Hawaii's pandemic response.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/08/california-congresswoman-wants-answers-on-hawaiis-virus-response-effort/
Audit of the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Policies, Proc...Honolulu Civil Beat
This audit was conducted pursuant to Resolution 19-255,
requesting the city auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney’s policies and procedures related to employee misconduct.
Audit of the Honolulu Police Department’s Policies, Procedures, and ControlsHonolulu Civil Beat
The audit objectives were to:
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of HPD’s existing policies, procedures, and controls to identify and respond to complaints or incidents concerning misconduct, retaliation, favoritism, and abuses of power by its management and employees;
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of HPD's management control environment and practices to correct errors and prevent any misconduct, retaliation, favoritism, and abuses of power by its
management and employees; and
3. Make recommendations to improve HPD’s policies, procedures, and controls to minimize and avoid future managerial and operational breakdowns caused by similar misconduct.
The report summarizes use of force incidents by the Honolulu Police Department in 2019. There were 2,354 reported incidents, an increase from 2018. Physical confrontation techniques were used most often (53% of applications). The most common types of incidents requiring force were simple assault (13.4%), mental health cases (13.2%), and miscellaneous public cases (6.7%). Most incidents occurred on Mondays and Saturdays between midnight and 1:59am and involved males aged 34 on average, with the largest proportion being Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (34.5%).
The Office of Health Equity aims to eliminate health disparities in Hawaii. Its vision is for policies and programs to improve the health of underserved groups. Its mission is to increase the capacity of Hawaii's health department and providers to eliminate disparities and improve quality of life. The office identifies disparities, recommends actions to the health director, and coordinates related activities and programs. It works to establish partnerships, identify health needs, develop culturally appropriate interventions, and promote national health objectives. The office's strategic goals are to increase awareness of disparities, strengthen leadership, improve outcomes through social determinants, improve cultural competency, and improve research coordination.
The document calls for unity and collaboration between Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaii to address COVID-19. It summarizes that government leaders have failed citizens by being slow to respond to the crisis, not working together effectively, and one in three COVID cases impacting Pacific Islanders. It calls on officials to take stronger, transparent leadership and get resources like contact tracers deployed quickly from Pacific Islander communities. Each day without action will lead to more cases, hospitalizations and deaths. It establishes a response team to improve COVID data and policies for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
This letter from the ACLU of Hawaii to the Honolulu Police Department raises concerns about racial disparities in HPD's enforcement of COVID-19 orders and use of force. It cites data showing Micronesians, Black people, Samoans and those experiencing homelessness were disproportionately arrested. It recommends HPD end aggressive enforcement of minor offenses, racial profiling, and using arrest statistics to measure performance. It also calls for implicit bias training, data collection and transparency regarding police stops, searches and arrests.
This letter from the ACLU of Hawaii to the Honolulu Police Department raises concerns about racial disparities in HPD's enforcement of COVID-19 orders and use of force. It cites data showing Micronesians, Black people, Samoans and those experiencing homelessness were disproportionately arrested. It recommends HPD end aggressive enforcement of minor offenses, racial profiling, and using arrest statistics to measure performance. It also calls for implicit bias training, data collection and transparency regarding police stops, searches and arrests.
This document is a complaint filed in circuit court by Jane Doe against The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific and several individuals. Jane Doe alleges she has experienced discrimination and harassment at her job as a physical therapist at Rehab Hospital based on her sexual orientation. She lists several causes of action against the defendants and is seeking damages for the harm to her career and emotional distress caused by the defendants' actions.
This document provides guidance for large or extended families living together during the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends designating one or two household members who are not at high risk to run necessary errands. When leaving the house, those individuals should avoid crowds, maintain social distancing, frequently wash hands, avoid touching surfaces, and wear cloth face coverings. The document also provides tips for protecting high-risk household members, children, caring for sick members, isolating the sick, and eating meals together while feeding a sick person.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) requests that the State of Hawaii prioritize collecting and reporting disaggregated data on Native Hawaiians relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, OHA asks for disaggregated data from the Departments of Health, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Human Services on topics like COVID-19 cases, unemployment claims, and applications for assistance programs. Disaggregated data is critical to understand how the pandemic is impacting Native Hawaiians and to direct resources most effectively. OHA also requests information on how race data is currently collected by these agencies.
The CLA audit of OHA from 2012-2016 found significant issues in OHA's procurement processes and identified $7.8 million across 32 transactions as potentially fraudulent, wasteful, or abusive. The audit found 85% of transactions reviewed contained issues of noncompliance with policies and laws, while 17% (32 transactions) were flagged as "red flags". Common issues included missing procurement documents, lack of evidence that contractors delivered on obligations, and contracts incorrectly classified as exempt from competitive bidding. The audit provides a roadmap for OHA to investigate potential wrongdoing and implement reforms to address deficiencies.
This document provides a list of pro bono legal service providers for immigration courts in Honolulu, Hawaii, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, as of the January 2018 revision date, there are no registered pro bono legal organizations for the immigration courts in Honolulu, Hawaii, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands. The document also notes that the Executive Office for Immigration Review maintains this list of qualified pro bono legal service providers as required by regulation, but that it does not endorse or participate in the work of the listed organizations.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a statement regarding the construction of a multi-purpose field at Waimānalo Bay Beach Park. City Council member Ikaika Anderson had requested halting all grubbing work until September 15 out of concern for the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. However, the environmental assessment states grubbing of woody plants over 15 feet tall should not occur after June 1 to protect young bats. The city contractor will finish grubbing by the end of May as required. Canceling the contract would cost $300,000 in taxpayer money. Therefore, the city will proceed with completing Phase 1, including a multi-purpose field, play area, and parking lot, for $1.43 million, and will review additional
2. Summary
Over the last decade, Hawaii has made commendable improvements in its juvenile justice system.
Juvenile arrests fell 28 percent,1 and the number of youth annually admitted to the Hawaii Youth
Correctional Facility (HYCF) declined 41 percent.2 With declining juvenile arrests and fewer youth being
removed from their homes, Hawaii has been headed in the right direction.
Building on its success, the state should aspire to continual improvements. In order to keep heading in
the right direction and to further the gains, youth-serving agencies—the Judiciary, the Office of Youth
Services (OYS), and the Department of Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD)—
all agree that resources are needed to fully develop an effective continuum of services in Hawaii’s
communities. The current resources and means of accessing services allow youth to fall through the
cracks. Additional resources for these youth would not only further reduce the number of commitments
to HYCF and the detention home, but also help strengthen youth, families, and communities.
While fewer in number, the youth who are committed to HYCF are staying longer. More youth enter
HYCF for misdemeanors than felonies; more enter for property, drug and other nonviolent offenses than
for person offenses; and nearly half have no prior felony adjudications. Each bed at HYCF costs state
taxpayers $199,320 per year.3 Three-quarters of the youth who leave HYCF will be re-adjudicated
delinquent or reconvicted within three years.4 While taking steps in the right direction, Hawaii should
get better outcomes from the high costs of HYCF.
Moreover, if effective alternatives were available, many of these youth could be held accountable and
safely supervised in their communities at far lower cost. Every dollar spent on secure confinement is a
dollar Hawaii could otherwise use to build the fully-resourced, evidence-based continuum of supervision
and services for delinquent youth that was envisioned during the creation of OYS in 1989.
Early access to substance abuse and mental health services is a necessary component of this continuum.
Youth with urgent and critical needs must have access to needed treatments to prevent future
delinquencies. As Hawaii strives to build up this continuum and provide these tools, the state recognizes
that success – for Hawaii’s youth, families, and communities – will require hard work, collaboration,
compromise, and leadership. Without substantial additional resources allocated by the Legislature, the
goal of improving the juvenile justice system in Hawaii cannot be realistically achieved. The agencies
1
Crime In Hawaii: A Review Of Uniform Crime Reports, Research & Statistics Branch, Crime Prevention & Justice
Assistance Division. Online. Available: http://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/files/2013/01/Crime_in_Hawaii_2011.pdf.
2
Unless otherwise noted, analyses in this report were conducted by The Pew Charitable Trusts, based on data
from Hawaii’s Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS) and Office of Youth Services (OYS).
3
Per bed costs were calculated using budgetary information provided by the Office of Youth Services and the
capacity of HYCF, 56 beds.
4
Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility Recidivism Study (August 2010). Honolulu: Department of the Attorney
General. http://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/files/2013/01/HYCF-Recidivism-Study-2005-2007.pdf
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3. responsible for providing these services need the resources necessary to achieve these goals and
appropriately serve youth.
In August of 2013, Governor Neil Abercrombie, Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, Senate President Donna
Mercado Kim, and House Speaker Joseph Souki established the Hawaii Juvenile Justice Working Group
to develop policy recommendations that will accelerate reductions in the state’s use of secure beds for
lower-level juvenile offenders while protecting public safety and increasing positive outcomes for youth,
families, and communities. The Working Group was charged with analyzing Hawaii’s data, policies, and
practices; reviewing research on evidence-based principles and national best practices; and
recommending policies that will move Hawaii toward a more effective, equitable and efficient juvenile
justice system.
The Working Group’s efforts have resulted in a comprehensive set of policy recommendations that will
improve the return Hawaii receives from its investment in juvenile justice. By focusing secure beds on
juveniles who pose a public safety risk and strengthening community supervision practices across the
islands, the recommendations will put more Hawaii youth on the track toward productive, law-abiding
lives, and ensure that taxpayer resources are used efficiently. Taken together, the policies are expected
to reduce the HYCF population by at least 60 percent by 2019, producing savings of at least $11 million
dollars over the next five fiscal years, and provide for reinvestment in local jurisdictions. With those
reinvestments, family court judges and probation officers will have more effective supervision and
rehabilitation options, leading to reduced recidivism and increased public safety.
The Challenges Facing Hawaii
The Working Group’s current effort follows a turbulent quarter century for Hawaii’s juvenile corrections
system. In 1987, Hawaii was in search of an agency to oversee HYCF, which was, at the time, the subject
of intense criticism, repeated audits, and the threat of legal action.5 After careful study, the Legislature
created a youth-focused agency – OYS – with dual goals: administer and oversee HYCF, and create a
continuum of services for youth.
By 2004, it was clear that at least one of the goals had not been met. In fact, conditions within HYCF had
deteriorated to the point of legal action by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ highlighted a
lack of clear policies and procedures underlying the treatment of residential-level youth, and made
5
Office of Youth Services, “Strategic Plan for the Office of Youth Services in Hawaii,” (1991). The strategic plan,
created at the behest of the Legislature in formulating the new OYS, found that the “greatest amount of money,
more than three times greater than any other category,” was being spent for out-of-home placements, and this
needed to be shifted to more community-based programs. In fact, the authors of the strategic plan recommended
that HYCF be replaced with a 20 bed facility to ensure that adequate resources were “left for the remainder of the
youth care continuum.”
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4. serious allegations about the use of excessive force and abuse of youth in the facility.6 HYCF would
remain under DOJ oversight for seven years.
During that same period, Hawaii’s juvenile arrest rate plummeted. Between 2002 and 2011, the arrest
rate for serious violent and property offenses dropped 28 percent.7 Combined with the increased
scrutiny of commitments to HYCF and falling arrest rates, by 2013, commitments to HYCF had fallen by
41 percent.8
At the same time that commitments to HYCF were declining, the state was focusing attention on the
creation of a continuum of services for youth. This was especially critical as fewer youth were
committed to HYCF and as state leaders began the discussion about the most effective use of secure
facilities, with an eye towards the continuum of alternatives envisioned in the creation of OYS.
The reduction in the use of secure facilities for less-serious youth is a positive step toward effective
juvenile justice practices. Research indicates that secure facilities are an appropriate supervision option
for certain youth with a high risk of reoffending.9 However, research also suggests that alternatives to
secure confinement, in the form of an array of proven and promising strategies and programs, can
produce sizeable reductions in recidivism. For many youth, residential placement generally fails to
produce better outcomes than community-based alternatives, and in some cases may actually increase
the risk of reoffending.10 These community-based alternatives, such as probation, outpatient mental
6
U.S. Department of Justice. “Investigation of the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, Kailua, Hawaii.” (2005).
http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/spl/documents/hawaii_youth_findlet_8-4-05.pdf
7
Crime in Hawaii: A Review of Uniform Crime Reports, Research & Statistics Branch, Crime Prevention & Justice
Assistance Division. Online. Available: http://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/files/2013/01/Crime_in_Hawaii_2011.pdf;
Population Data: Puzzanchera, C., Sladky, A. and Kang, W. (2013). "Easy Access to Juvenile Populations: 19902012." Online. Available: http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/ezapop/
8
Substantial reductions in both juvenile crime and the secure commitment of youth were not unique to Hawaii.
These same trends, in fact, were representative of the nation as a whole. By 2011, arrest rates for index offenses
had fallen 28 percent nationally, and between 1999 and 2011, the number of juveniles in secure residential
placement had fallen 46 percent. “Latest Data Show Juvenile Confinement Continues Rapid Decline,” Pew
Charitable Trusts, Aug. 2013. http://www.pewstates.org/news-room/press-releases/latest-data-show-juvenileconfinement-continues-rapid-decline-85899480842
9
C.T. Lowenkamp and E. Latessa, “Evaluation of Ohio’s RECLAIM Funded Programs, Community Corrections
Facilities, and Department of Youth Services Facilities,” 2005.
10
C.T. Lowenkamp and E. Latessa, “Evaluation of Ohio’s RECLAIM Funded Programs, Community Corrections
Facilities, and Department of Youth Services Facilities,” 2005; M.W. Lipsey and F.T. Cullen, “The effectiveness of
correctional rehabilitation: A review of systematic reviews.” Annual Review of Law and Social Science 3 (2007):
297-320.
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5. health or substance abuse treatment, and evidence-based programming for juveniles, also come at a
lower cost than secure confinement.11
State leaders across the nation have recognized that combining a more focused use of secure facilities
with a continuum of services for youth can result in less recidivism, more rehabilitation of youth, and
lower costs for taxpayers. In order for Hawaii to finally achieve the continuum of youth services 25 years
in the making, and to seize upon proven practices, state leaders took the step of bringing policymakers
and stakeholders together to discuss, study, analyze, and develop policies for Hawaii’s juvenile justice
system.
The Hawaii Juvenile Justice Working Group
In the spring of 2013, state leaders in Hawaii came together to discuss ways to improve outcomes for
youth, families, and communities. Even against the backdrop of reduced admissions to the state secure
facility, stagnant budgets and high recidivism rates prompted stakeholders to begin a discussion about
whether Hawaii could improve case outcomes for youth, protect public safety, and provide the best
return on taxpayer investments in the juvenile justice system.
To further this discussion, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, Senate
President Donna Mercado Kim, and House Speaker Joseph Souki established the Hawaii Juvenile Justice
Working Group, comprised of 20 stakeholders from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as
well as representatives from key stakeholder groups including law enforcement, prosecution, public
defense, and community service providers.
The state leaders charged the Working Group with studying ways to increase the public safety return
from Hawaii’s juvenile corrections spending, including policy recommendations that will:
Reduce recidivism and crime by improving case outcomes in the juvenile justice system;
Leverage and reallocate resources across the juvenile justice system to maximize the
effectiveness of Hawaii’s correctional dollars and placement options; and,
Ensure Hawaii’s policies and practices are grounded in data and evidence.
The Working Group met monthly from August through December 2013, receiving intensive technical
assistance from the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Public Safety Performance Project. The work began with
extensive analyses of Hawaii’s juvenile justice system data, including arrest rates; probation admissions
and lengths of stay; juvenile commitments to HYCF, terms, and outcomes; and juvenile justice data
reflecting the racial, ethnic, and gender representations throughout the system. The members of the
Working Group conducted a broad assessment of Hawaii’s juvenile justice system, analyzing policies,
practices, programs, and statutes. Much of the information was considered on a statewide basis and
disaggregated by circuit.
11
Drake, E. K., Aos, S., & Miller, M. G. (2009). Evidence-based public policy options to reduce crime and criminal
justice costs: Implications in Washington state. Violence and Victims, 4, 170–196.
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6. The Working Group also engaged in outreach and discussions with the neighbor islands through
convenings on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Staff from probation, the Judiciary, OYS, the Legislature,
the Department of Education (DOE), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Human
Services (DHS) provided information through one-on-one interviews, focus groups and larger community
surveys that was used to build a more complete picture of the juvenile justice system.
Armed with this data, the Working Group began reviewing research on what works to reduce
delinquency and effective practices in juvenile justice, including empirical peer-reviewed studies about
effective community-based practices and efficient use of secure facilities.
The Working Group used this information to establish key findings to guide policy development and the
direction of the recommendations.
Key Findings
With the goals of reducing recidivism, improving case outcomes, and maximizing the effectiveness of
Hawaii’s juvenile justice system, the Working Group established the following key findings.
Key Findings for HYCF Commitments
Fewer Youth Admitted to HYCF, but Staying Longer
Two factors determine committed youth populations: how many youth are admitted, and how
long they stay. Even as admissions to HYCF have declined 41 percent in the last decade, the
youth who are committed are staying far longer. On average, lengths of stay in HYCF are 188
percent longer, rising from 2.5 months in 2004 to 7.2 months by 2013. The available data does
not clearly indicate the reason for the increase in the length of stay; however, the Working
Group considered wait times for youth accessing intensive treatments and mental health care,
in addition to reductions in short term commitments to HYCF.
Further, length of stay does not vary substantially between different offense levels: on average
for youth released during the 2013 fiscal year, misdemeanor commitments last just under seven
months, while felony commitments last for just over eight months. The offense or offenses
underlying the commitment to HYCF are not the only factors relevant to length of stay. Offender
risk levels and prior delinquent behavior figure in as well. The Working Group expected the
difference in length of stay between felony and misdemeanor offenders would be greater than
just six weeks.
Large Shares of Misdemeanant, Nonviolent Youth in HYCF
Youth committed for misdemeanor offenses constitute a growing and majority share of HYCF
admissions. In fiscal year 2013, 61 percent of HYCF admissions for a new offense were
committed for a misdemeanor, up from 47 percent in 2004.
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7. Youth committed for nonviolent offenses constitute the vast majority of HYCF admissions. In
fiscal year 2013, 72 percent of youth admitted to HYCF were adjudicated for a property, drug,
status, or “other” offense.12 The remaining 28 percent of youth admitted to HYCF were admitted
for a “person” or “person-no contact”13 offense.
The proportion of HYCF commitments precipitated by nonviolent offenses has risen slightly over
the last decade. In 2004, nonviolent offenses made up 63 percent of admissions, while 34
percent of youth admitted that year were admitted for a “person” or “person-no contact”
offense.14
12
“Other” offenses in 2013 included contempt of court, disorderly conduct, escape, and resisting arrest.
13
Hawaii defines “person-no contact” offenses as those which, while severe, do not normally involve injurious
physical contact. These offenses include terroristic threatening, harassment, and possession of weapons offenses.
14
The remaining three percent of youth were admitted for a sex offense.
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8. Limited Delinquency Histories of Youth in HYCF
Many HYCF admissions are youth with limited criminal histories. Over the last five years, 45
percent had no prior felony adjudications. Of that 45 percent, just over half had one or fewer
misdemeanor adjudications.
Disproportionate Share of Commitments from Neighbor Islands
Youth from Hawaii’s neighbor islands make up a disproportionate share of the total population
committed to HYCF. While the neighbor islands are home to 31 percent of Hawaii’s total youth
population ages 10-17,15 and the most recent data shows that 30 percent of index arrests occur
on the neighbor islands,16 neighbor island youth made up 46 percent of all HYCF admissions in
fiscal year 2013.
Poor Public Safety Return on HYCF Spending
Each of the 56 beds in HYCF costs Hawaii taxpayers $199,320 per year. And, despite growing
length of stay and larger shares of youth committed for misdemeanor offenses, 75 percent of
15
Population Data: Puzzanchera, C., Sladky, A. and Kang, W. (2013). "Easy Access to Juvenile Populations: 19902012." Online. Available: http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/ezapop/.
16
Crime In Hawaii: A Review Of Uniform Crime Reports, Research & Statistics Branch, Crime Prevention & Justice
Assistance Division. Online. Available: http://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/files/2013/01/Crime_in_Hawaii_2011.pdf.
-7-
9. youth released from HYCF between 2005 and 2007 were re-adjudicated in Family Court or reconvicted in the adult criminal justice system within three years of release.17
Key Findings for Juvenile Probation
Stable Probation Populations and Underlying Offenses, but Increasing Supervision Terms
Total admissions to juvenile probation in Hawaii have fallen, but the decline has not kept pace
with the declines in juvenile arrests and admissions to HYCF. Probation admissions dropped four
percent over the last 10 years, to 569 admissions in the 2013 fiscal year.
The types of offenses for which youth are placed on probation have remained relatively stable
over the last decade. More than six in 10 admissions to probation in 2013 were for nonviolent
offenses and violations of a previously adjudicated probation. Misdemeanants constituted a
slightly higher proportion (55 percent versus 49 percent) of admissions in 2013 compared to
2005.
During that same period, the average length of time youth spend on probation increased 155
percent, from 8.1 months in 2005 to 20.6 months. While increased probation lengths were seen
across all circuits, the increases varied: in the Fifth Circuit, the average length of stay rose to
15.6 months, while youth on probation in the First Circuit served an average of 26.6 months.
17
Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility Recidivism Study (August 2010). Honolulu: Department of the Attorney
General. http://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/files/2013/01/HYCF-Recidivism-Study-2005-2007.pdf
-8-
10. Data analysis was unable to identify definitive causes of these significant increases, but one
possible reason is an increase in the use of indefinite probation terms.
Finally, the probation population has consistently contributed a significant proportion of the
youth committed to HYCF. Over the last three fiscal years, more than four of every 10
admissions to HYCF were for a probation violation or revocation.
Access to Resources Limited and Challenging
Overwhelmingly, juvenile justice system stakeholders provided information to the Working
Group about the lack of a continuum of interventions for juvenile offenders and difficulty
accessing the services that do exist. For example, only one residential substance abuse facility
exists across Hawaii. In a survey, 98 percent of responding probation officers reported that
there were not enough resources in the community for probation-level youth. The Working
Group found that funding for services comes from a variety of agencies whose eligibility criteria
create obstacles for easy and timely access.
Inadequate Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatments
The Working Group received information on the critical and urgent need for enhanced access to
mental health and substance abuse treatments for youth, especially at early junctures in a
youth’s contact with the court. Probation officers and court officials highlighted the wait times
and administrative criteria that often inhibit access to treatments or severely delay needed
services. Youth can languish in the system even after clear needs are identified, but those needs
are left untreated and eventually impact a youth’s risk to reoffend. And family courts are too
often in need of crucial early interventions that are necessary for justice system-involved youth
that could prevent further reoffending. Stakeholders consistently identified the significant
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11. deficiency in treatment resources across the state, and the corresponding need for greater and
earlier access to proven and effective mental health and substance abuse treatments.
Probation Practices Vary across the Circuits
The Working Group found variance in policies and practices across circuits in intake decision
making, the setting of probation terms, probation goals and outcomes, how youth are
supervised and how probation violations are addressed.
For example, intake probation officers in each circuit use different criteria to decide which youth
will be diverted from future court processing during the pre-disposition phase. Each circuit also
has different policies regarding the use of decision-making and assessment tools. For example,
not every circuit uses risk and needs assessments, and those that do assess youth do not assess
the same types of youth at the same times. In addition, every circuit has similar yet different
administrative monitoring policies, which stakeholders report sprung up organically but is not
yet grounded in statute.
Additionally, at disposition, judges impose probation terms differently. For example, in two
circuits, youth are put on probation to the age of majority, while the other circuits utilize short
or indefinite probation terms. Lastly, the levels of contact that field probation officers have with
youth differ in frequency and location across circuits. This patchwork of practices likely results
in poorer outcomes, dissimilar treatment for similarly situated youth, and uncertainty for youth,
families, victims, and communities.
Policy Recommendations
Based on the above findings, the Working Group designed a set of policy options to achieve the charge it
was given by state leadership. The policy recommendations identify ways the state can focus system
resources on protecting public safety; strengthen community supervision and probation practices; and
sustain effective practices through funding incentives and continued legislative oversight. The Working
Group’s recommendations, taken together, are projected to accelerate current trends, reducing the
HYCF average daily population by at least 60 percent by 2019. These shifts in resources will allow the
closure of the Ho’okipa Makai cottage during the 2015 fiscal year, and in total are projected to save
Hawaii taxpayers at least $11 million over the next five fiscal years.
The Working Group recommends that the state make targeted reinvestments – estimated at $2 million
per year – of these anticipated savings to strengthen juvenile probation and reduce recidivism. Some
policy recommendations will require the rededication of existing staff time, while some require the use
of reinvested funds. In either case, an investment now will produce significant returns for the
foreseeable future in the form of reduced reoffending and more youth set on a path to productive, lawabiding lives.
Focus System Resources on Protecting Public Safety
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12. The Working Group analyzed data that revealed the flow of youth throughout the system, and used this
data to develop policy recommendations that allow the juvenile justice system to more effectively
protect public safety by putting youth in the right placements at the right time and diverting youth out
of the system when appropriate. The deep-end of the system must be more effectively targeted to
youth who pose a public safety risk, while the front end concentrates on those who need juvenile justice
system intervention. The Working Group sought to shift youth placements and dollars to ensure every
juvenile justice dollar and each segment of the system is targeted to protecting public safety and
generating the best outcomes for youth.
Use HYCF to Target More Serious Juvenile Offenders
Recommendation 1: Focus HYCF Beds on More Serious Youth
At a current cost of $199,320 per year, HYCF beds are an expensive resource. Targeted to the right
populations, HYCF beds serve an important role: to incapacitate youth who are public safety risks and
provide those youth with needed treatment and rehabilitation in a secure setting.
To ensure that HYCF is used for public safety purposes and targets youth who have committed more
serious offenses, the Working Group recommends that youth adjudicated for misdemeanors no longer
be eligible for commitment to HYCF. The Working Group considered evidence that secure confinement
has no effect on the risk to reoffend for many youth, and in some cases, may actually increase the
likelihood of reoffending. Youth who have committed more serious offenses, such as a felony, or youth
who have violated terms of their probation or have had their probation revoked, will still be eligible for
commitment to HYCF. In addition, the Working Group recommends that HYCF beds continue to be used
for youth as a sanction in juvenile drug court.
Recommendation 2: Reinvest the Savings in Local Alternatives
Targeting HYCF beds to more serious juvenile offenders will free up resources within the OYS budget.
The Working Group recommends that these resources be reinvested in the circuits and in mental health
and substance abuse treatment in order to provide for more effective community-based alternatives for
youth who do not require placement in a secure facility. This reinvestment will consist of two parts: an
upfront grant provided to each of the circuits, and a performance incentive to fund continued efforts by
the circuits to reduce their use of beds in HYCF. These funds will provide circuits with opportunities and
options to create and fund effective practices, in partnership with OYS and CAMHD when appropriate,
to reduce recidivism and help more youth successfully exit the juvenile justice system.
Recommendation 3: Provide Funding for Critical Treatment and Services in Communities
The Working Group found that the overwhelming majority of all arrests of juveniles in Hawaii are for
minor, non-violent offenses and status offenses. Stakeholders report that, often, the underlying causes
of these offenses include family dysfunction, trauma, and substance abuse, which can go woefully
unaddressed due to a lack of available services. The Working Group believes that these arrests often
multiply and lead to the inappropriate and excessive involvement in the juvenile justice system.
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13. The Working Group recommends that services to address these mental health and social issues be
increased and addressed statewide, and that the necessary funding be allocated through one of the
youth-serving agencies, to meet the myriad of mental health and social needs that at-risk youth and
their families struggle with on a daily basis. The Working Group also finds a stated need from
stakeholders for secure mental health treatment, and recommends support for this need.
Recommendation 4: Refocus Efforts on Substance Abuse Needs
The heavy toll from substance abuse issues found in many juvenile justice system-involved youth and
their families is a significant burden. Working Group members estimated that 80 percent of youth
involved in the Hawaii juvenile justice system suffer from substance abuse.
Abuse, dependence, and addictions are serious challenges for Hawaii, and if left untreated in juvenile
populations, could lead to joblessness, homelessness, increasing rates of delinquency and criminality,
and additional prison beds. These outcomes could create significant costs that consume an inordinate
percentage of state spending.
The Working Group observed that a common denominator in many delinquent acts is substance abuse,
making the dearth in available services all the more troubling. The Working Group recommends that
resources be allocated to address substance abuse in Hawaii’s four counties, including both residential
and outpatient services.
Recommendation 5: Review Eligibility for Mental Health Services
Though not by DOH’s design, the Working Group found that the criteria for youth to access mental
health services through CAMHD to be extremely restrictive.18 Many of the youth currently involved in
the juvenile justice system who could benefit from mental health services are ineligible based on the
current eligibility criteria, which is either Medicaid eligibility or a special education qualification. Mental
health services could play a significant role in putting youth back on the right track if applied to the right
youth at the appropriate time. And the Working Group finds that failing to correct these criteria could
have severe consequences for youth and their futures.
The Working Group recommends a review of the current eligibility requirements, with a focus on
expanding access to services to ensure that youth determined to be at-risk and with a need for mental
health services receive those services in a more comprehensive and timely manner, through DOH or
their contracted mental health providers. Finally, the Working Group strongly recommends to fund or
allocate the resources necessary to achieve these goals for CAMHD and ensure the agency has the fiscal
and human resources necessary to adequately serve youth.
Recommendation 6: Guide Rehabilitation in HYCF with Findings of Fact
18
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §321-171 (2013), CAMHD is required to “(1) Provide preventative health services
for children and youth; (2) Provide diagnostic and treatment services for emotionally disturbed children and youth;
and (3) Provide treatment and rehabilitative services for mentally ill children and youth.”
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14. Youth adjudicated for a felony, violation of probation, or sanctioned in juvenile drug court will continue
to be eligible for commitment to HYCF. For these youth, the Working Group recommends that judges be
required to enter a finding of fact in the record when committing these youth to HYCF stating the
reasons that the youth is a public safety risk warranting placement in HYCF. These findings of facts will
help guide rehabilitation and treatment plans, and ensure that information is fully shared between the
committing circuit and HYCF. Findings of fact will not be required for youth committed for felony person
or sex offenses.
Clarify and Strengthen Juvenile Parole and Reentry Practices
Recommendation 7: Clarify the Criteria Used to Release Youth from HYCF
To increase consistency and transparency in HYCF’s release processes, the Working Group recommends
that HYCF clarify in statute its release criteria and procedures. Currently, the factors which trigger
release from HYCF are not codified. By implementing written policies, the process will be clear for youth
and their families and more predictable for the agencies that work with youth on parole.
Recommendation 8: Require the Creation of Offender Reentry Plans
To increase successful reentry, the Working Group recommends that, for youth admitted to HYCF who
are not concurrently serving a term of probation, HYCF complete a reentry plan within 30 days of a
youth’s admission to HYCF. The plan should include goals, strengths, restitution, and rehabilitation
efforts, when applicable. HYCF should work with the youth and his or her family in developing the plan
and progress towards the goals to the extent possible. HYCF will also provide a copy of the reentry plan
to the youth’s family and offer regular updates, if requested. At the end of a youth’s stay in HYCF, staff
will be required to provide at least 15 days of notice prior to releasing a youth to the youth’s family as
well as any relevant agency or community provider that may be involved in that youth’s transition
home.
For youth entering HYCF while concurrently on probation, the youth’s probation officer may request
that HYCF staff collaborate and create a reentry plan in conjunction with the probation officer.
Clearly Define Diversion Avenues for Lower- Level Youth
Recommendation 9: Provide Clear Diversion Authority for Youth Who Do Not Need Justice
System Interventions
To clarify diversion authority that exists prior to informal adjustment, the Working Group recommends
that statutory authority be given to intake probation officers to divert youth from any additional justice
system processing. The youth most appropriate for diversion are usually first-time offenders or have
engaged in very minor delinquent behavior. To ensure that this authority is used appropriately, intake
officers or intake supervisors should be required to submit monthly reports to the deputy chief court
administrator in each circuit stating the number and types of referrals diverted out of the system.
Recommendation 10: Standardize Criteria for Informal Adjustment
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15. For youth who need a minor level of court intervention, and to ensure that similarly situated youth
receive similar opportunities no matter where they live, the Working Group recommends that a
standard informal adjustment be codified in statute and applied across the circuits.
The Working Group analyzed current practices and, using these practices as a basis for the statutory
criteria, recommends mandatory informal adjustment for all youth who were not previously diverted
and referred to probation for either a status offense or for a first-time misdemeanor. Informal
adjustment should be discretionary for all other youth. The Working Group also recommends that the
circuits collaborate and agree on a set of factors, to be set in probation policy and practice, which will
guide informal adjustment decisions.
Recommendation 11: Codify Current Administrative Monitoring Practices
For youth who require more system intervention than informal adjustment allows, but not necessarily a
term of probation, the Working Group recommends codification of the current practice of
administrative monitoring.
Administrative monitoring refers to adjudicated youth who are monitored by court staff and placed on
what is known as “compliance status.” While on this status, the judge sets a discrete number of
conditions—usually no more than three—that the youth must satisfy within a set period of time. If the
youth does so, the case is closed. If not, the judge resets the case for an additional period of time, after
which the case may be closed, dismissed, or disposed to full probation status.
Codification of this current practice will allow circuits to track and analyze the outcomes for youth
placed on administrative monitoring. Using administrative monitoring will also allow for expedient postadjudication referral to alcohol, drug, or mental health treatment, which may avoid the need for
probation supervision if completed.
Strengthen Community Supervision and Probation Practices
The Working Group discussed a need for more resources and options at the front end of the system,
primarily within probation, to reduce recidivism and halt the progression of youth to secure facilities.
The resulting policy recommendations will standardize practices across the circuits, provide additional
tools to probation officers to correct youth behavior, enhance a system of goal-oriented probation, and
increase opportunities for interagency collaboration.
Maximize Probation Effectiveness in Every Circuit
Recommendation 12: Provide for a Risk and Needs Assessment to Assist Judges in Disposition
Decisions
The use of a risk and needs assessment which has been validated and normed on Hawaii’s population
can provide consistent information about each youth who comes before the court. Assessments provide
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16. valuable information about each youth’s risk to reoffend and those criminogenic needs which, if
addressed, can reduce that risk to reoffend.19
The Working Group recommends that the deputy chief court administrators in each circuit solicit input
and collectively research and select a single risk and needs assessment for use across the islands, and
that the assessment be administered to each youth prior to disposition. The Working Group also
recommends that state statutes require the revalidation and norming of the tool on Hawaii’s population
at least every five years.
Recommendation 13: Use Risk and Needs Assessments to Drive Supervision
To get the best results possible from probation supervision, research indicates that risk and needs
assessments should drive case planning and supervision decisions for youth. The Working Group
recommends that probation officers use risk and needs assessments to determine supervision levels,
establish the frequency of contacts with probation staff, and shape referrals to treatment or services.
However, the Working Group also recommends that probation officers be allowed to depart from the
supervision levels or services derived from risk and needs assessments upon consultation and approval
from a probation supervisor.
Recommendation 14: Create Case Plans to Focus Probation on Successful Outcomes
The risk and needs assessment administered to each youth will reveal specific issues which, if addressed,
will reduce the risk of future reoffending. Probation efforts should focus on addressing those specific
problem areas.
The Working Group recommends that probation develop a case plan for each youth under supervision
that establishes the conditions of probation, the goals related to reducing criminogenic needs, and any
needed evidence-based programming. In conjunction with the case plan, the Working Group
recommends that judges should specify a definite term of probation for each youth, subject to extension
or modification by the court.
The probation officer and judge should monitor case plan progress and alter the conditions, as
necessary, to assist and drive achievement of the goals within the case plan. In addition, the probation
officer should be required to consult with the youth’s family prior to submission of the case plan to the
court and keep the family informed and updated upon request.
Recommendation 15: Require at Least One Home Visit for Probated Youth
Family involvement is an essential part of successful juvenile rehabilitation. To encourage this and to
observe family interactions with a probated youth, the Working Group recommends that each youth
receive at least one visit at home from his or her probation officer within 45 days of beginning
probation. This requirement should apply only to youth who are on a probation status that includes
19
Criminogenic needs are dynamic qualities of an offender that research directly links to criminal and delinquent
behavior such as anti-social values, poor impulse control, and substance abuse.
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17. visits or meetings with their probation officer. Thereafter, the frequency and schedule of any additional
home visits will be guided by the youth’s risk and needs assessment, allowing for more home visits for
higher-risk youth and fewer for lower-risk youth.
Recommendation 16: Provide Annual Training for Probation Officers
Probation and court officials across Hawaii have highlighted the importance of regular training to keep
probation officers up-to-date on best practices and trends in probation and to improve the quality and
consistency of probation supervision. The Working Group recommends that the deputy chief court
administrators provide for training for intake and field probation officers on best practices, such as
assessing risk and needs or effective use of reinforcement and disapproval, at least annually. The
administrators may collaborate to provide the training jointly to probation officers in one or more
circuits.
Equip Probation Officers with the Tools to Manage Youth Behavior
Recommendation 17: Create Graduated Sanctions and Incentives for Probated Youth
The Working Group recommends the creation and use of a system of graduated sanctions and
incentives to hold youth accountable and encourage compliance with probation conditions. The
Legislature should give probation officers authority to respond to certain probation violations with these
sanctions without needing to return to court. This will help establish clear expectations for offender
behavior and boost the impact of supervision on behavior by reducing the length of time between
violations and responses. Officers also will be able to encourage positive behavior with rewards and
incentives.
The Working Group recommends that the system use youth risk level and the seriousness of violations
to determine the responses probation officers are authorized to apply as alternatives to judicial
modifications or revocations. However, at the next review hearing following the delivery of a sanction or
incentive, probation officers should be required to inform judges about the actions taken.
Recommendation 18: Invest in Proven Practices to Reduce Reoffending
Over the last three decades, a wealth of research has identified effective policies, practices and
programs to reduce delinquency. By devoting probation dollars to proven, effective practices, Hawaii
can ensure the system maximizes its effectiveness.
The Working Group recommends that each circuit invest a majority of its probation expenditures in
evidence-based practices, such as matching interventions to youths’ criminogenic needs, implementing
programs with strong fidelity to models, and investing in proven programs that will do more to reduce
the risk of reoffending.
Recommendation 19: Establish a System of Earned Discharge for Youth to Incentivize Success
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18. Youth who are fully compliant with probation conditions should have an opportunity to earn early
discharge from probation. This not only rewards probation compliance, but also allows probation staff
to focus their resources on those other youth who struggle to complete probation successfully.
The Working Group recommends that youth receive 30 days off the end of their probation term for
every 30 days of full compliance with their probation conditions. In addition, at the request of the
probation officer and at the discretion of the judge, the earned discharge credits may also be awarded
to a youth for substantial compliance.
Increase Collaboration with Partner Agencies
Recommendation 20: Provide for Collaboration Between the Judiciary and Mental Health
Clinicians
The Working Group’s findings regarding the importance of mental health and substance abuse needs in
juvenile justice system-involved youth call out for greater collaboration between judges, court officials,
and mental health clinicians and providers. Effectively treating these needs in youth could be facilitated
by greater communication and a focus on case management and problem solving.
The Working Group recommends that the members of the Judiciary and DOH meet on a regular basis to
consult on specific cases and broader issues held in common between the two stakeholders. These
discussions will provide an avenue to short-term resolution of specific needs and cases as well as
broader, long-term gains in collaboration and services.
Recommendation 21: Provide a Pathway to Earlier Referrals and Access to Mental Health
Services
Many youth in the juvenile justice system have significant mental health needs. CAMHD currently
contracts with providers that deliver mental health treatment and other juvenile offender interventions
such as Multi-Systemic Therapy. Access to these programs can contribute to reduced delinquency.
The Working Group recommends that, if a youth’s risk and needs assessment indicates a mental health
need, the probation officer should be required to immediately refer the youth to CAMHD for
presumptive treatment. CAMHD should be required to begin treatment and initiate a post-referral
assessment and ascertain the youth’s qualification for treatment.
In addition, the Working Group recommends that judges have statutory authority to suspend
delinquency proceedings for up to one year to facilitate access to and completion of mental, behavioral,
or substance abuse treatment.
The Working Group also recommends that the Legislature address the urgent need for increased access
to mental health and substance abuse treatments. Family courts across Hawaii need the ability to
expediently refer youth to these services, and for treatment to begin without undue delay. Untreated
behavioral needs are crucial and a critically important challenge facing the juvenile justice system, and
the Working Group recommends that the Legislature use these recommendations to develop legislation
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19. that would reduce administrative delays and burdens on access to treatment and increase access to
quality mental health and substance abuse treatments across the state, while maintaining efforts to
ensure appropriate clinical care.
Recommendation 22: Enhance Interagency Collaboration
Hawaii has developed a model for serving specific populations of youth and others in need, the
interagency cluster model,20 in which one agency leads and coordinates a service plan with allied
agencies. The Working Group recommends that this model be specifically used to serve high-need
juvenile justice system-involved youth.
The coordinated service plan will be led by the Family Court, and involve regular case planning and
collaboration with all involved agencies, including DOH, DHS, and DOE. The involved agencies will meet
once a month to discuss all active coordinated service plans in each circuit. The judge, at his or her
discretion, could involve community-based providers, as well as OYS.
The Working Group also recommends that access to mental health services for youth in the juvenile
justice system be expanded, and recommend that the Legislature consider making changes that would
increase DOH’s contribution in ensuring the juvenile justice population is accessing needed mental
health and substance abuse services.
Sustain Effective Practices
The Working Group recognizes the need for the juvenile justice system to continually collect
information, evaluate performance, and improve practices. A system that tracks performance and holds
agencies accountable will improve outcomes and best serve the interests of youth, families and
communities.
Collect, Analyze, Report, and Discuss Outcome Measures and Justice System Data
Recommendation 23: Implement a System of Performance and Outcome Measures
To properly evaluate and inform justice system performance and guide future practices, the justice
system and other involved agencies must collect comprehensive outcome measures and demographic
information. The Working Group recommends that agencies involved in the juvenile justice system
collect reliable and valid measures to understand and evaluate system performance and effectiveness.
The Working Group recommends collecting information on the types of youth who are admitted to
probation and HYCF, the underlying offenses, how long those youth stay, the outcomes for those youth
(tracked for three years after exiting the system), and budgetary information for each level of the
system. The Working Group recommends that relevant agencies collect this information; in addition,
agencies should create additional outcome measures, using common variables and definitions.
20
See Hawaii Revised Statutes § 321D-1.
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20. The Working Group recommends that outcome measures also be built into contracts with providers and
that providers regularly report back to the contracting agency on those measures, and that all outcome
measures be reported by providers and agencies at least annually.
Recommendation 24: Empower an Oversight Committee to Monitor Reforms and Report
Outcome Measures
The Working Group recommends that the Legislature establish an oversight committee with a clear and
specific mission to, in part, monitor implementation of the recommendations in this report. The
oversight committee will establish and review performance and outcomes measures for OYS, the
Judiciary, and DOH, as the agencies work to implement these reforms. The committee will prepare an
annual report that contains all the performance and outcome measures and data reported by the
agencies. Membership, which will include stakeholders from the major youth-serving agencies, and
meeting schedules shall be statutorily set.
Conclusion
Even as Hawaii has taken great strides to improve its juvenile justice system, the Working Group’s
findings reveal avenues for further reform. Hawaii has experienced a decade-long decline in the use of
HYCF; however, 61 percent of youth admitted for a new offense in 2013 were admitted for a
misdemeanor. Further reductions are possible by diverting these minor offenders and focusing HYCF
beds on public safety risks.
The resulting fiscal savings must be reinvested into evidence-based alternatives in Hawaii’s
communities. In addition, the Working Group finds that a focus moving forward must be increasing
access to and availability of critical mental health and substance abuse treatments. The lack of these
services, currently, is a significant issue in the juvenile justice system in Hawaii. While DOH/CAMHD has
a well-developed array of mental health and integrated substance abuse services, including evidencebased programs, the number of treatment slots and access to these services is restricted due to
resources and eligibility issues. The lack of access to these services, currently, is a significant issue in the
juvenile justice system in Hawaii.
For community supervision, the length of time youth spend on probation increased 155 percent in the
last decade, even as the types of offenses for which youth were placed on probation remained relatively
stable. The Working Group has recommended several strategies to improve the effectiveness of
probation, including using a validated risk and needs assessment across the state to drive supervision
case planning. These recommendations will allow each circuit to play a continually more significant role
in reducing recidivism and maximizing system effectiveness.
The Hawaii Juvenile Justice Working Group recommends the package of policies included in this report
to Governor Abercrombie, Chief Justice Recktenwald, Senate President Kim, and Speaker Souki. The
Working Group recommends that state leaders introduce legislation based on these recommendations
to meet the goal of maximizing the public safety return Hawaii receives from its investment in juvenile
justice.
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21. Members of the Hawaii Juvenile Justice Working Group:
Judge R. Mark Browning, First Circuit (chair)
Representative Mele Carroll, House District 13 (chair)
Barbara Yamashita, Deputy Director, Department of Human Services (chair)
Judge Edmund D. Acoba, District Judge, Fifth Circuit
Representative Henry J.C. Aquino, House District 38
William Bento, Supervising Attorney, Office of the Public Defender
Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Senate District 13
Senator Will Espero, Senate District 19
Blair Goto, Deputy Attorney General, Department of the Attorney General
David Hipp, Executive Director, Office of Youth Services, Department of Human Services
Representative Aaron Ling Johanson, House District 31
Keith Kaneshiro, Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu
Jaque Kelley-Uyeoka, Deputy CEO, Hale Kipa, Inc.
M. Stanton Michels, M.D., Administrator, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, Department of
Health
Judge Paul T. Murakami, First Circuit
Captain J. Pedro, Honolulu Police Department
Mitch Roth, Prosecuting Attorney, County of Hawaii
Steve M. Shiraki, Ph.D., Administrator, Student Support Branch, Department of Education
Lorenn Walker, J.D., M.P.H., Public Health Educator and Restorative Lawyer, Hawai’i Friends of Justice &
Civic Education
Marsha Yamada, Juvenile Client and Family Services Administrator, Second Circuit
The co-chairs would like to acknowledge the following individuals and groups for their tireless efforts:
Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, Hawaii Supreme Court
Debbie Shimizu, Policy Analyst, Office of the Governor
Family Court Judges
Office of Youth Services staff
Janice Yamada, Deputy Chief Court Administrator, First Circuit
Christine Miwa-Mendoza, Juvenile Services Branch Administrator, First Circuit
Lillian Takaki, Law Clerk, First Circuit
Debra Nishikida, Judicial Assistant, First Circuit
Elsie Y. Nitta, Clerk, First Circuit
Lianne L. Onishi, Law Clerk, First Circuit
Hawaii Probation Officers
Stuart Okumura
Maria Sadaya-Ibus
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