NCJ Number
243616
Date Published
August 2013
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the need for cross-system collaboration to more effectively serve the needs of juvenile justice system-involved youth.
Abstract
This paper from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network discusses the need for cross-system collaboration to more effectively serve the needs of youth and their families involved with the juvenile justice system. Research has shown that a large percentage of youth involved with the child welfare system have experienced some form of trauma and thus are at higher risk for delinquency. This in turn increases the likelihood that these youth will become involved with the juvenile justice system, highlighting the need for cross-system collaboration to address the needs of these youth without resorting to an increase in punitive measures. The paper recommends that the following steps should be taken in order to ensure cross-system collaboration: 1) agencies must acknowledge the inherent connection to other existing systems; 2) systems must begin to cultivate relationships that focus on serving the best interests of the youth they have in common; and 3) systems and agencies must make a commitment, through formalized agreements, to partner/collaborate. The Crossover Youth Practice Model from the Georgetown University Public Policy Institutes Center for Juvenile Justice Reform works with jurisdictions to develop and implement strong cross-system collaborative relationships between child-serving agencies, and is discussed in detail in this report. References