NCJ Number
83098
Date Published
Unknown
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This fiscal 1981 annual report of the Missouri Division of Youth Services describes the Division's services and the overall direction of the agency and provides a statistical review of the year.
Abstract
During the year, the Division experienced a 4 percent increase in commitments over the previous year. Program quality has been maintained even though several programs have been changed and new ones have been opened. The impact of increased population has been eased through the use of two short-term programs; Camp Pa-He-Tsi and Group Home No.6 provided services to slightly over 100 youth, twice as many as would be served in conventional group homes for the same period. The Division also began training selected staff in 'brief family counseling,' a technique to assist families in functioning more effectively as a family to resolve specific problems. As the Division moves further into this area, it is believed more youth can remain in their own homes and still receive the professional help needed to function normatively in the community. The uncertainty of Federal and State resources continuing at present levels has led the Division to focus on the efficient use of facilities and programs. Through empirical analysis, efforts have been made to develop efficient models of operation. Commitment data cover yearly totals; metropolitan and rural areas; county, region, and circuit; age; education level; and committing offense. Facility data cover length of stay and assignments. Data are also provided on aftercare, discharge, and budget.