*Many of these resources were developed previously by the
National Resource Center for
Permanency and Family Connections (NRCPFC).
Informational & Practice Publications, Resources, & Tools
Guidebook for Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare System Coordination and Integration: A Framework for Improved Outcomes, 3rd Edition
Published by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, this guidebook provides state and local jurisdictions with ideas, resources, tools, and practical guidance for integrating multi-system practices that improve outcomes for youth and families. The guidebook details the following four phases: (1) Mobilization and Advocacy; (2) Study and Analysis; (3) Action Strategy; and, (4) Implementation. It presents significant detail on the issues that may be encountered during each phase of the strategic planning process and is a sourcebook for promising, practical approaches that jurisdictions around the nation have used to overcome barriers and obstacles. (2013)
Addressing the Needs of Multi-System Youth: Strengthening the Connection between Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice
Georgetown Public Policy Institute’s Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) and Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps (RFK) announced this paper co-authored by Denise Herz, PhD; Phil Lee, JD; Lorrie Lutz, MPP; Macon Stewart, MSW; John Tuell, MA; and Janet Wiig, JD, MSW. The paper was released at a symposium held at Georgetown University on March 1, 2012. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for jurisdictions to utilize in their efforts to better serve youth known to both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems—commonly referred to as crossover or dually-involved youth. These youth tend to go undetected, following a stealth-like pathway between these two systems. As a group of children and youth who suffer from the effects of childhood trauma, they are often underserved as they move from one system to another, experiencing the negative consequences of infrequent cross system coordination related to case planning and the delivery of needed services. Little was known about this population, especially the factors that impacted their system experience. Fortunately, researchers have been working to better understand the trajectory many crossover youth follow between systems and into adulthood. As a result, we now know much more about their characteristics as a population and the factors associated with their crossing over. It is the hope of CJJR, RFK, and the authors that the content presented in this paper will help those who read it to develop a better understanding of how to prevent youth from crossing over between systems and ensure that all youth who are served by both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems experience them in a manner that provides for their safety, well being and permanence, while also ensuring public safety. Additional materials from the symposium are also available online. (March 2012)
Crossover Cases: Children and Youth involved in the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems
Courts often refer to crossover cases as those involving children and youth who have a case in the dependency as well as the delinquency court. Crossover cases may also include children and youth who have committed a status offense or a child in need of care or supervision (CHINS) offense. In some states, the court with jurisdiction of dependency cases is the same court that has jurisdiction of delinquency, status offense, and CHINS cases. In other states, there are two court systems involved with different judges having jurisdiction. Collaboration and coordination – among public agencies, attorneys, judges, and CASA volunteers – are critical when dealing with crossover cases. This issue of The Judges’ Page, available on the CASA website, reviews multiple aspects of handling crossover cases. (March 2010)
Research & Reports
From Courts to Communities: The Right Response to Truancy, Running Away, and Other Status Offenses
The Center on Youth Justice at the Vera Institute of Justice released this report aimed at raising awareness about law enforcement responses to noncriminal status offenses, such as truancy, running away, curfew violations, and other risky youth behaviors. It encourages conversations about the circumstances behind youth misbehavior and explores whether courts are equipped to address status offenses effectively. This report is supported by funding from the MacArthur Foundation's Models for Change Resource Center Partnership. (December 2013)
Promoting Recovery and Resilience for Children and Youth Involved in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Systems
This Short Report from SAMSHA highlights functional improvements in children who receive services through the Children’s Mental Health Initiative or the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. Children and youth who are exposed to traumatic events have a higher probability of developing mental health and behavioral problems. The good news is that SAMHSA initiatives help children and youth involved with child welfare and juvenile justice build resilience and recover by connecting them with supportive adults, providing evidence based treatment, and training providers in trauma-informed care. Commissioner Bryan Samuels of ACYF, Dr. Gary Blau of SAMHSA, and Jim Wotring of the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health presented the report and provided additional information on ACYF’s focus on social and emotional well-being during a webinar held on 5/15/12. (2012)
