PA-JJCM 5: Services and Supports
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Youth are
linked to services and supports needed to overcome problems, improve behavior, develop skills, build strengths, promote personal responsibility, and establish pro-social
community connections.
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Research Note: Although promoting public safety is an important aspect of PA-JJCM services, some literature asserts that programs often rely too heavily upon supervision, and suggests that youth will be more capable of avoiding crime and contributing to society if they are connected to needed supports and services and helped to develop appropriate competencies. |
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Personnel develop positive, respectful relationships with youth, and:
- model pro-social behavior and attitudes;
- emphasize personal responsibility and accountability; and
- serve as a resource.
Interpretation: These relationships should be developed in the course of the contacts described in PA-JJCM 6.01.
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Research Note: Some literature emphasizes the importance of developing positive interpersonal relationships, and suggests that services are not likely to succeed if youth do not buy into the relationship. |
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Youth are linked to programs and services needed to achieve goals and objectives identified in their service plans, including, as appropriate:
- health services;
- mental health and counseling services;
- services for substance use conditions;
- social and life skills development services; and
- educational and vocational services.
Youth are engaged in activities that help them understand the impact of past actions and behaviors, and repair any harm they may have caused.
Interpretation: These activities may be specified by the court. Options can include, but are not limited to: meaningful community service, restitution, and victim/offender mediation.
Youth are helped to cultivate positive community connections by identifying:
- pro-social recreational and leisure time activities; and
- sources of pro-social support, such as mentors, community members, peers, siblings, or other family members.
Interpretation: “Recreational and leisure time activities” may include, but are not limited to: (1) sports and athletic activities, (2) cultural enrichment activities, and (3) positive youth development clubs.
Note: Involvement in the activities described in PA-JJCM 5.03 can also facilitate the development of positive community connections.
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Research Note: Literature emphasizes the importance of developing pro-social community bonds and relationships. |
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Youth are connected to services, supports, and activities that are appropriate for and sensitive to their age, developmental level, language, gender, race,
ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and past experiences of trauma.
Youth have access to services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Interpretation: The agency may provide 24-hour access by, for example, using split shifts, or offering an emergency telephone hotline.
To strengthen the family’s ability to support and supervise youth, the agency connects family members with resources to help them:
- meet any unmet service needs;
- maintain and strengthen family relationships;
- prevent, manage, and resolve family conflicts; and
- identify strengths that can help them meet future challenges.
Note: See the Interpretation to PA-JJCM 3.02.