1. Division of Youth Services
Director Betty Guhman
DHS Executive Team Meeting
September 1, 2017

2. DYS Core Beliefs, Common Themes
Individualized assessment and case management for families and youth
Services in least-restrictive settings, located close to home
Wide array of community based service options for judges, families and youth
Family-focused, strength-based approach to services
Reduced use of confinement and commitment to DYS
Limited length of stay recommendations in residential settings
Structured, data-driven decision making at every stage of system
Better collaboration, data sharing among all parts of juvenile justice system
Focus on education and vocational training opportunities for all youth
Collaboration with local school districts and other community services

3. DYS: Who We Are ~ 60 Permanent Employees
~ 280 Temporary Employees (since Jan. 1, 2017)
84% State General Revenue
Residential and Community-Based Services via Contract
Central Office:
Youth and Family Case Management
Operations: Residential and Community Service Contracts
System Reform/Research &Reporting (Data)

4. DYS: Who We Serve Youth ages 10-20 and their families
Committed a delinquent act
At risk of delinquency – Truant, Runaway, Defiant
500 youth and families in residential care secure residential facilities, emergency shelter, residential treatment centers, group homes
8,000+ youth and families in community (community service providers) Family assessment and case management, family reunification, aftercare, diversion, Families in Need of Services

5. DYS Youth: Why They are Here
Inadequate family support system or placement
Lack of access to mental health, DD, & substance abuse services in community
Commitment of delinquent (felony) acts
Criminalization of normal youth behavior
Multi-generational abuse
Stigma of sexual acting out
Impulsivity, aggression, and other symptoms of MH disorder
Undiagnosed/untreated learning disorders

6. DYS Committed Youth: Demographics
>85% male; >50% African American
>45% have at least one MH disorder other than conduct disorder or substance abuse Of those, more than half have multiple co-occurring disorders
Most test below average or lower on IQ
Median age at commitment is 15 yrs; average length of stay is 7 months
Majority have prior contacts with child welfare system
>85% below grade level in math and reading
>70% committed for property/drug offenses or technical violations of probation
Only 10% committed for serious violent offenses

7. DYS Challenges Schools represent >60% of justice-system referrals
FINS supervision converts status offenders to delinquents
Lack of supervision, placement, & non-secure services for youth 18+, sex offenders, and EJJ youth
Access to specialized services in some areas of the state
Rising costs of secure confinement versus stagnant revenues
Difficulty of serving youth with co-occurring MH & DD disorders who may have serious conduct/criminal issues
Families with generational substance abuse and/or dependency/neglect behaviors

8. Focus on the Family Unit Focus on Data Driven Decisions
Interviews and survey of judges cite “parents” as a common cause of delinquency and highest service need
Most youth will return to their same home and community
Building up strengths of family crucial to avoid commitment & recidivism
Family assessment/treatment planning concurrent with youth assessment/treatment planning
Contracts & services incorporate performance indicators and outcome measures
Improve data systems to collect, report, and analyze data trends and outcomes
Accountability for DYS staff, providers, & clients
Support client and program decisions with actual data
Efficient and effective use of limited resources

9. 2017 DYS Initiatives
Sept – Medicaid consultant to review DYS services;
Sept- Physical security review of secure facilities
Oct/Nov – FY 19 residential & community-based contract solicitations
Ongoing – Collaboration with DCFS in joint contracts for placements
Assist existing and new providers to participate in Behavioral health transformation
Jan 1 – Assumed direct control of seven regional treatment centers
March – Cooperation with DBHS to provide therapy services to committed youth
June – Judicial District Innovation grants statewide
July – Restructured DYS organization to focus on comprehensive case management
July – Established Research & Reporting Unit
July - Family Advocate at Central Office
July- Family Liaisons at seven facilities
Aug – Transitioned to Virtual Arkansas as provider of education curriculum

10. DYS Leadership Director: Betty Guhman
Assistant Director, Residential and Community Operations: Marq Golden
Assistant Director, Youth and Family Case Management: Carmen Mosley-Sims
System Reform Manager: Adam Baldwin
Facilities Administrator: April Hannah
Clinical Director: James Walker
Education Director: Dr. Marcella Dalla Rosa

11. Community Based Youth Service Providers
East Ark Youth Services, Marion
Consolidated Youth Services, Jonesboro
Youth Bridge, Fayetteville
United Family Services, Little Rock, Pine Bluff
Ouachita Children’s Center, Hot Springs
Phoenix Youth and Family, Crossett
Conway County Community Services, Morrilton
Health Resources of Arkansas, Batesville
Comprehensive Juvenile Services, Ft Smith
South Ark Youth Services, Hope
Southwest Ark Youth Services, Magnolia
Counseling Clinic, Benton
Professional Counseling Associates, Lonoke

12. DYS Secure Residential Facilities
AJATC Ark Juvenile Assessment & Treatment Center 75 boys, 25 girls
20 Assessment beds
LJTF Lewisville Juvenile Treatment Facility 28 boys
MJTF Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Facility 32 boys, 16 girls
DJTF Dermott Juvenile Treatment Facility 32 boys
DJCF Dermott Juvenile Correctional Facility 42 boys, 18-21
CJTF Colt Juvenile Treatment Facility 28 boys
HJTF Harrisburg Juvenile Treatment Facility 32 boys