What is the purpose of a juvenile assessment center?
The purpose of a juvenile assessment center is to ensure that juveniles receive the appropriate mental health services and sanctions for any crimes committed. In Washington, juvenile assessment centers are operated by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). These centers provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to assessing juvenile offenders, to determine which type of treatment and rehabilitation would be most beneficial for them. The assessment centers evaluate the risk factors, needs, and strengths of young offenders so that effective and appropriate interventions can be created. In addition to providing assessment and evaluation of juveniles, the centers also provide mental health and substance abuse services, case management and the connections to supportive services such as education and job training. These assessment centers work in partnership with the juvenile court system to provide the best resolution to juvenile cases. In order to meet the needs of the juveniles, the assessment centers involve a team of professionals in the decision-making process. This team typically includes a mental health professional, a substance abuse specialist, a social worker, a probation officer, and the juveniles parents or guardians. By bringing together all the necessary professionals to make the most informed decisions and provide the most effective interventions, these assessment Centers seek to curb juvenile crime in Washington and help juveniles learn and grow to become productive members of society.
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