Competency and Skill Development Groups and Intervention Services for Clackamas County Youth and Families

Proposal Abstract

The Clackamas County Juvenile Department (CCJD) strives to keep communities safe through offering services and interventions for youth who have committed acts of delinquency in their communities and for which there may be victims. CCJD targets interventions in order to hold youth meaningfully accountable and teach them new skills, while simultaneously addressing the harm done to victims and communities. Youth who have become (or are at risk of becoming) involved in the juvenile justice system face significant barriers to developing positive life skills and obtaining an education and employment. These youth may have fewer protective factors and exhibit more and greater risk factors, such as school dropout, use of alcohol and/or drugs, lack of connection with positive peers and community members, mental health challenges, or experience significant family conflict, than are present in the general youth population. For many youth, access to skills groups and intervention services is a prominent barrier to participation in programs, treatment and pro-social activities that address risk factors. 

Additionally, early identification in youth of emerging mental health needs, experimental drug use, or dependency on drugs and/or alcohol is vital to prevent system involvement and is a key intervention service. By utilizing a culturally responsive School-Based Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment program, CCJD is able to identify early risk factors that could bring the youth in contact with the system and refer them early to necessary treatment and services.

Funding provided by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant will be used by CCJD to continue contracting for competency and skill development groups and intervention services for Clackamas County youth and families.