CLASSIFICATION Risk Institutional violence/misconduct Institutional violence/misconduct Suicide Suicide Recidivism Recidivism A standardized assessment process that identifies the risk and service needs of each youth. Basis for case plan; population management. Needs Mental health Mental health Education (special needs) Education (special needs) Substance abuse Substance abuse Vocational needs Vocational needs Family Family Living skills Living skills Housing needs Housing needs Peers Peers

CLASSIFICATION PROCESS General Screening (Indices and inventories) In-depth testing and clinical evaluation where indicated Comprehensive Case Management Plan (Identifies expectations and benchmarks) Reentry CustodyServices/Programs Reentry CustodyServices/Programs Housing Institution Parole/Aftercare Housing Institution Parole/Aftercare Supervision level required Supervision level required Periodic Reclassification (every three to six months) Adjustments to Custody Level and Program Based on Progress/Experience Reentry and Parole Supervision Programs Supervision Level

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES OF A CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Validity Validity Reliability Reliability Equity Equity Utility Utility Effectiveness Effectiveness

GENERAL FINDINGS Process is complicated by the fact that DJJ houses both juveniles and adults. Process is complicated by the fact that DJJ houses both juveniles and adults. Current assessment process collects a lot of information on each ward. Information is poorly summarized and under-utilized. Current assessment process collects a lot of information on each ward. Information is poorly summarized and under-utilized. Over-reliance on gang affiliation and time adds to manage institutions. Over-reliance on gang affiliation and time adds to manage institutions. Nearly 40% of all male wards represent a relatively low risk of institutional misconduct. Nearly 40% of all male wards represent a relatively low risk of institutional misconduct. DJJ Males Current Population Risk Level Percent of Cases Average Number of Months Added Very Low 11.0%2.85 Low27.0%5.01 Moderate37.0%8.02 High19.0%12.52 Very High 6.0%19.49 Total100.0%8.23

CURRENT DJJ PLAN/PRIOR EFFORTS Strengths Strong research effort to identify custody requirements (not yet implemented) Strong research effort to identify custody requirements (not yet implemented) Addresses issues of reentry, community role, and risk/need assessments Addresses issues of reentry, community role, and risk/need assessments Proposes implementation of a valid, reliable case management model (SJS/CMC) Proposes implementation of a valid, reliable case management model (SJS/CMC)

CURRENT DJJ PLAN/PRIOR EFFORTS Improvements Needed Greater definition, explanation, and timetables. Greater definition, explanation, and timetables. Greater specificity on community role. Too little focus on parole/aftercare. (In 2005, releases to parole declined substantially while revocations increased.) Greater specificity on community role. Too little focus on parole/aftercare. (In 2005, releases to parole declined substantially while revocations increased.) Greater specificity regarding information system improvements. Classification is essentially an information system that drives the decision making process. The automated methods used to collect data, ensure compliance, and enhance accountability are currently inadequate. Greater specificity regarding information system improvements. Classification is essentially an information system that drives the decision making process. The automated methods used to collect data, ensure compliance, and enhance accountability are currently inadequate.

PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS Short-Term (Violence Reduction) 1.Use a valid custody assessment scale to identify youth at high risk of institutional misconduct. 2.Move high risk youth to more secure settings. Provide a higher level of supervision.

PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS Long-Term (JJ System) 1.California should adopt a structured decision making model for graduated sanctions that: Creates a seamless case planning and case management system that is used from courts through DJJ, reentry, and aftercare. Bases placement decisions on offense severity, prior record, risk of recidivism, and services needed. Uses standard criteria for DJJ placement to increase consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness of the overall juvenile justice system. Utilizes a “step up, step down” process that rewards progress and appropriately sanctions violations.

PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS Long-Term (JJ System) 2.The development of this system should be a joint effort of DJJ and CPOC to ensure that it reflects the needs of both the State and counties.

PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS DJJ 1.Develop (or adopt) standardized custody, risk, and need assessment instruments. 2.Streamline intake process making greater use of screening instruments and data from community/court assessments. 3.Implement CMC/SJS. Train all institutional and parole staff to use supervision strategies.

CMC Evaluation Results from Florida Revocation Rates, Community Control Admissions Total N = 45,346 PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS

DJJ (cont.) 4.Develop and implement a web-based information system that incorporates decision making criteria for: Custody level Housing assignment Program needs and assignments Community supervision level