Perf-Based Stds, Juvenile Correctional Facilities, 5th Ed_DEC 2024

Part 6: Programs and Services

6I. - PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARD: RELEASE PROGRAMMING Every effort should be made to assist each juvenile in successfully transitioning from a custody environment back into the community as a productive and law-abiding citizen.

EXPECTED PRACTICES Release Programming 5-JCF-6I-01 (Ref 4-JCF-5I-01)

All juveniles have access to a program of release preparation prior to their return to the community Programs of release include the following: 1 Lectures and discussions addressing juveniles’ concerns regarding educa tion, employment, housing, family issues, and so forth 2 Individual counseling focusing on the juvenile’s needs 3 Family counseling sessions 4 Where statutes permit, graduated release through short furlough Comment : Prerelease visits by aftercare/parole workers to their assigned juveniles to discuss the purpose and function of aftercare supervision is encouraged.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Lecture notes; attendance records for lecture/discussion; coun seling notes; visitation logs; family counseling notes.

Coordinated Services for Release Program 5-JCF-6I-02 (Ref 4-JCF-5I-02)

Social services staff at the facility work closely with aftercare/parole workers and the releasing authority to secure appropriate housing for juveniles upon release Juveniles in need of transitional assistance participate in developing a well-defined and coordinated plan for housing, education, employment, coun seling, and medical services Comment : Juveniles should be afforded some level of confidence they will have a safe place to live to include family reunification, a group home, foster care, or a community residential center. A day treatment program may offer a juvenile need ed support while living at home or in independent housing. A plan for education, employment, and other ancillary services provides a juvenile with a roadmap for potential success and a productive return to society.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Juvenile placement plan; parole plan with evidence of collab- oration; juvenile interviews.

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