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New York's New Approach to Juvenile Rehabilitation Services

NCJ Number
188720
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 112-116,118
Author(s)
John A. Johnson
Date Published
April 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the New York State Office of Children and Family Services' (OCFS) Prescriptive Programming, which draws on current research on risk factors and interventions to develop rehabilitation services for juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Prescriptive Programming consists of four phases that cover the entire period of custody, including intake, residential rehabilitation, release readiness, and community management. As factors that affect a youth's likelihood of reoffending change, appropriate adjustments in programming and level of supervision can be made to facilitate the optimal outcome and efficient use of resources. To impact the risk of reoffending, all components of the residential care continuum -- intake, classification, residential programming, and aftercare -- focus on the criminogenic factors most likely to result in successful community re-entry. These factors are identified and assessed at intake for each youth and are used in the classification process to determine the type of residential program best suited to a youth's risk level and treatment needs. Current behavior, one of the elements of release readiness, is periodically reassessed. Before determining a youth's release potential, aftercare counselors evaluate the current level of home support and the availability of needed services in the community. The results of each assessment are compiled to prescribe an appropriate level of community supervision. From intake to discharge, youths and community factors are continuously assessed, and programs are modified to maximize the impact on the elements related to the recidivism risk. This article includes detailed descriptions of system implementation, program initiatives, mental health services, substance abuse services, and the intensive aftercare program.