Mental Health Juvenile Justice
What is the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program?
The Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program is primarily a family therapy program.
This program is offered to youth involved in the juvenile justice system exhibiting
symptoms of a mental illness.
Program Basics
- Family Therapy Program
- Youth 7-15 years of age
- Referrals come from
the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Committee through the Erie County Probation Department
-
Free for Residents of Erie County
- Medicaid accepted; free to non-Medicaid recipients
-
Youth having trouble at home, school, and in the community
- Referrals to an EMDR
Trained Therapist
What is the goal of the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program
The Mental Health Juvenile Justice program was established in order to coordinate
comprehensive mental health services to juvenile delinquents. The goal of the Mental
Health Juvenile Justice Program is to reduce crime, make the community safer, and
help youth work through serious, family and/or mental health issues that may be
contributing to a pattern of escalating delinquency. All referrals to this program
come from the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Committee which is made up of representatives
from the Erie County Probation Department, Forensic Mental Health Department, Juvenile
Treatment Court, Child & Adolescent Treatment Services, and Erie County Detention.
This committee allows for the exchange of appropriate information, and to coordinate
an appropriate treatment plan for youth and families.
How does the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program work?
Intensive Family Therapy
This program uses a form of family counseling called Intensive Family
Therapy, a
type of short-term counseling which focuses on improving the relationships and communication
among family members. Intensive Family Therapy uses the family’s central role in
a youth’s life to help them work through and move past difficulties to a successful
future. Sessions are held weekly for one hour each session. Phone contact is maintained
with the family in between sessions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
In addition, program therapists are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization
and Reprocessing (EMDR), an effective treatment for trauma-related issues.
Who is eligible for the program?
The program receives all referrals from the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Committee.
How much does the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program cost?
The program is funded through a grant with the Erie County Probation Department.
It accepts Medicaid insurance or is a free service to those within Erie County without
Medicaid.
How can I make a referral to the Mental Health Juvenile Justice Program?
Referrals can be made by contactomg the Program Coordinator.
Client Comments
"This program kept me out of trouble."
"My son now talks to me when he has a problem."