NCJ Number
200401
Date Published
2003
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This fiscal year 2002 Annual Report of the Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides an overview of agency operations, statistics regarding the youth served, and outcome indicators.
Abstract
The mission of the DYS is "to enable youth to fulfill their needs in a responsible manner within the context of and with respect for the needs of the family and the community." The DYS provides the following array of services and approaches: a continuum of community-based and residential treatment and education services; a case management system in which a single case manager follows a youth throughout his/her tenure in the agency; collaboration with local juvenile courts regarding early intervention and prevention efforts through the provision of diversionary funds; an emphasis on a humane, dignified, supportive, structured, and therapeutic climate; development of community-based partnerships; and incorporation of treatment outcome and quality assurance components to evaluate efficacy and improve service delivery. A total of 1,287 youth were committed to DYS during fiscal year 2002, with 83.2 percent of the youth being male. The average age of all youth committed was 15.1 years. A total of 158 youth (12.3 percent) were committed for the most serious felonies (A and B felonies) during fiscal year 2002, and 504 youth (39.2 percent) were committed for less serious felonies. A total of 145 (11.3 percent) youth were committed for juvenile offenses, and 480 youth (37.3 percent) were committed for misdemeanors and other non-felonies. Youth from single-parent homes constituted 57.4 percent of the commitments. Of all discharges from DYS custody, 87.7 percent were satisfactory. 23 figures, 6 tables, and appended supplementary statistics