A NEW WAY: FOLLOWING miSSOURI'S LEAD
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Missouri’s Division of Youth Service (DYS) runs the juvenile facilities in the state, which are completely separate from the court’s jurisdiction once a youth is sentenced to a DYS facility.
Soon after a teen enters DYS care, a service coordinator works with the youth and their family to form an individualized treatment plan. One thing the organization works especially hard to avoid during these meetings, is placing blame on any party. “We have a basic, core set of philosophies that people want to do well and succeed, that they’re doing the best they can based on the resources available to them,” explains Tim Decker, director of DYS. “Poor behavior is a symptom of unmet needs and often an inappropriate way that young people and families are trying to meet their needs.”
Missouri’s methods have proven effective. Out of the approximately 2,200 young people committed to DYS custody each year, between 84 and 88 percent are productively engaged in society by the time they are released from DYS custody, whether in school or working. Also, recidivism rates are lower than other states. These centers are 1/3rd of the price of regular juvenile dentention centers and are much more wholistic in their approaches to helping those who come through their doors.
Their mission based approaches:
Safety and structure are the foundation of treatment
Each person is special and unique
People Can Change
People desire to do well and succeed
Emotions are not to be judged
All behavior has a purpose and is often a symptom of unmet needs
People do the best they can with the resources available to them
The family is vital to the treatment process
True understanding is built on genuine empathy and care
We are more alike than different
Change does not occur in isolation – youth need others.
We are a combination of our past and present
Respect and embrace diversity