Posts Tagged ‘juvenile justice services’

Community Programs for Utah Juveniles

Mar
29
Simms, on the topic of  Juvenile Defense Misc
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There are a variety of community programs available for delinquent kids in Utah, most of which are available through private businesses which have a contract with Utah’s Juvenile Justice Services. Community programs are non-secure. Some programs are residential (where the child lives at a facility) while others are non-residential.

Photo: Bitterroot

The Goal of Community Programs

Community programs are supposed to help juveniles transition from delinquency safely back into society. These programs are usually available to kids in the following situations:

• Youth who have been committed to Juvenile Justice Services for placement but are still under the discretion of the juvenile court.
• Youth who are under the jurisdiction of the Youth Parole Authority and who are on parole, but working towards being released into society.

Residential Options

Some residential options that may be available to youth in custody include:

• Child placed with a single adult or family
• Group homes. These can be general or quite specific, depending on the needs of the youth.
• Wilderness programs
• Specialized boarding homes responsible for extremely delinquent kids

Non-Residential Services

These services are available on an out-patient basis:

• Psychiatric evaluations
• Counseling
• Therapy
• Job training

Community Transitional Programs

Transitional programs are designed for juveniles on parole who require extensive services before returning to membership in the public at-large. There is a lot of supervision, particularly to protect the community. Some learning opportunities in these programs may include: training for independent living, job training, serving the community.

Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney

Don’t hesitate to consult an experienced Utah juvenile defense attorney if your child is in legal trouble. You may not know all the questions to ask, but a top-notch attorney will be able to guide you and your child through the potentially confusing juvenile court process. The right phone call may help put your child and family on the road to recovery.

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Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Part 2

Dec
22
Simms, on the topic of  Juvenile Defense Misc
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Several blogs ago we covered some of the responsibilities of Juvenile Justice Services in Utah. Today’s post will cover some of the frequently asked questions about Juvenile Justice Services.

Photo: deovolenti

Does legal guardianship change when your child is placed in the custody of JJS?

• No, you remain your child’s legal guardian even though JJS will have temporary custody granted them by a judge.

Do parents still have rights while their child is in custody of JJS?

• Yes. Parents retain the right to have contact with their child by phone or letter or visitation, depending on the rules and regulations of the facility. Parents are encouraged to call their child’s case manager if they have questions regarding their child’s situation.

Who will decide whether my child is removed from my home?

• A juvenile court judge. He or she will take into account the evidence concerning the child’s delinquent behavior, personal or family safety and threat to the public.

Does the state put youth in jail or prison?

• Sometimes. If a youth is a serious and/or habitual delinquent, he could be locked up. Juvenile Justice Services works to help the youth and the public by determining the best place for the youth. Some programs offer a great deal of freedom for the child, while others curtail personal freedoms substantially.

How often will my child be going to court?

• It depends on each child’s circumstances. Review hearings before a juvenile judge are normally held every six months. Your child’s case manager can give you current information on the time and date of the next hearing.

These answers briefly cover some of the more common questions parents may have about Juvenile Justice Services. If your child is experiencing legal troubles, it is a good idea to consult with a Utah juvenile defense attorney right away. Having an attorney represent your child will help make sure that he or she is treated equitably and appropriately within the juvenile justice system.

We know that you have invested a lot of love and concern for your child. Continue to help him or her by providing them with legal representation.

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Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Part 1

Oct
14
Simms, on the topic of  Juvenile Defense Misc
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What Does the Division of Juvenile Justice Services Do?

They provide intervention, supervision and rehabilitation programs for youth offenders. There are four offices within the Juvenile Justice Services:

• Early Intervention Services
• Community Programs
• Correctional Facilities
• Rural Programs

People Responsible for Youth in Juvenile Justice Services Care

• Case Manager
Any youth in Juvenile Justice Services custody will be assigned a case manager. The case manager has specific duties: assess the youth; locate residential placement for the youth and develop an individualized treatment plan; monitor the youth’s progress and notify court and family of progress or problems.
• Youth Parole Authority
Has the jurisdiction of the youth after he or she is put into Secure Care.
• Juvenile Court Judge
Presides at court hearings, makes important decisions and makes orders concerning the youth’s court case. All cases have review hearings.
• Parents/Guardians
Retain some residual rights after youth is placed under court custody. These rights include: responsibility for support; consent to adoption; determine youth’s religious affiliation; reasonable visitation and in some cases can consent to medical treatment, marriage and enlistment in the armed forces.

Obtaining Custody of a Youth

A juvenile court judge has to remand a youth to JJS custody for Observation and Assessment, Community Placement or Secure Care.

After Custody of Youth is Turned Over to Juvenile Justice Services

Photo: Avlxyz

When a judge orders Secure Care, a youth will be assigned to one of the Secure Care facilities located within Utah. Youth may remain in Secure Care until they are 21 years old, unless they successfully meet their treatment goals and are granted early release by the Parole Authority.

If a judge orders Observation and Assessment, the youth will be assessed for 45 days. After all assessments are made, the JJS will make appropriate recommendations to the juvenile court judge.

If Community Placement is ordered, a case manager reviews and then assigns a youth to a residential, community-based program that will address those needs. Progress is monitored and recommendations are made to the judge.

The Difference Between Juvenile Justice Services and Probation

Probation is handled by the Juvenile Court and supervises juvenile offenders in the community. Youth who are on probation are not in the custody of the state.

Having a child in the Juvenile Justice system can be confusing. Don’t hesitate to contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney who can answer your questions and provide you the legal support you need.

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