NCJ Number
194253
Date Published
2002
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This fiscal year 2001 Annual Report of the Missouri Department of Social Services Division of Youth Services presents the philosophy of the Division and provides data and information on its programs and activities.
Abstract
The Division has maintained a balanced strategy that prioritizes both community safety and rehabilitation. The 10-percent recidivism rate for youth under the jurisdiction of the Division contrasts with recidivism rates as high as 60 percent and greater in other States. Missouri's Division of Youth Services (DYS) has evolved over the past two decades from large, statewide training schools into a continuum of small, regionally based treatment programs and services designed to serve youth and families as close as possible to their homes and communities. FY 2001 saw a continuation of the recent trend toward increased residential capacity, particularly for gender-specific programming. DYS continued the provision of Juvenile Court Diversion funding to target at-risk youth in 44 of the 45 juvenile courts/circuits. An 18-month intensive and comprehensive review of all day treatment and residential programs was completed during the year. During the year, DYS was evaluated through the State's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's School Improvement Plan; State accreditation was received. In FY 2001, DYS was recognized as a national model for juvenile justice programming in the American Youth Policy Forum report entitled, "Less Cost, More Safety: Guiding Lights for Reform in Juvenile Justice." Data are presented on commitments and the characteristics of youth committed, case management and treatment services, outcome indicators, and expenditures. Appended supplementary data