Posts Tagged ‘juvenile justice system’

Youth Services in Utah

Jun
14
Simms, on the topic of  Juvenile Defense Misc
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The Utah Department of Juvenile Justice Services has a Youth Services program that exists to try and keep kids out of the juvenile justice system by changing their focus to positive, active pursuits. Youth services are for kids who have a minor or non-existent delinquent history.

Photo: WoodleyWonderworks

Some FAQs about Youth Services

• 24-hour crisis counseling to youths and families
• Services are provided free-of-charge

Kids who have access to Youth Services include:

• Runaways
• Those who have family problems
• Ungovernable youth
• Those who’ve committed some offenses

Both parents and youth can use Youth Services, even if the child isn’t involved in the juvenile justice system.

What Happens When You Get to Youth Services

• Basic information is obtained from the child or adult
• The juvenile is assessed for risks such as mental health needs and substance/alcohol abuse

What is Available at a Youth Service Facility?

• Crisis counseling
• Therapy—group, individual, family
• Support and education groups
• Possible residential placements (these are voluntary)
• Assessment of each child’s situation

In some circumstances, a juvenile may stay at a youth service facility for a short period of time. If a longer placement is necessary, arrangements may be made at certain facilities.

When you have a child in need of legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney. It is appropriate to take advantage of state resources when applicable, but no one stands in better than an experienced juvenile attorney when your child is facing legal troubles.

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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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Work Camps for Utah Juvenile Offenders

Aug
12
Simms, on the topic of  Juvenile Defense Misc
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It often takes work to make positive changes in someone’s life. That can be the case for delinquent juveniles, as well. The Juvenile Justice System has the ability to assign juveniles to work camps where the kids are required to do basic physical labor.

Photo: Hannah and Simon

Work camps are non-secure residential youth programs with projects that are contracted to government agencies. Work projects can also assist senior citizens, charities, community fundraisers and other special needs programs.

Delinquent youth can be assigned to work camp when other methods of assistance or rehabilitation have failed. Youth who are violent or predatory, have a history of psychological or emotional problems, those who are a suicide risk or those youth who are taking medication for depression are not eligible for work camps.

Some of the benefits of work camps are:

• Actual work hours spent by a juvenile can be credited towards the juvenile’s restitution account;
• Youth can learn what it feels like to serve others, sometimes the less fortunate;
• Kids are given the opportunity to work until a project is completed. They may be painting fences, doing light construction, mowing lawns, etc.

Many parents today are dealing with kids in crisis, not because their children don’t have enough but because kids often have way more than they need. Teaching kids the value of work before they get into the juvenile justice system may save them much heartache. It’s good to know, however, that the juvenile justice system is trying to think outside the box when it comes to helping delinquent juveniles get back on the right track.

Take time to put your kids to work. Assign them household tasks that they can accomplish, giving them a sense of purpose. Helping around the house today may make a big difference tomorrow in keeping your kids out of trouble.

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