The number of mentally ill youth in detention is on the rise. Most often these minors are not receiving sufficient supports to meet their needs. By participating in the Mental Health-Juvenile Justice Initiative, families receive support and a launching ground for addressing their child’s mental health requirements.
Youth being released from detention who are experiencing problems with daily living are eligible to be screened for this program. With a parent's permission, a Mental Health Juvenile Justice Liaison will assess the juvenile to determine eligibility. If found appropriate for the program, the Liaison will work with the family utilizing the Wraparound process, providing linkage to community supports, and identifying funding sources. As well, there are funds built into the program to purchase goal oriented supports for a limited time.
Looking at what a MH-JJ Liaison does, it should also be noted that there are things a liaison does not do, including interfering with legal issues, intervening in crises, and acting as a therapist. The support provided to families is for a time frame of six months. From the beginning, the goal is that a family may find self-sufficiency by utilizing community supports.
The Mental Health Juvenile Justice Initiative is funded through the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health. Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois is compiling research on the effectiveness of the intervention. The project was originally instated two years ago in seven pilot sites across Illinois. As a result of positive outcomes, the project was expanded in October 2001 to cover the counties of all seventeen-detention facilities in Illinois.
Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area is implementing the initiative for all of Kane County. For more information about the program or to refer a youth in Kane County, please contact Tammy Schuring at (847) 695-3680.