Juvenile Justice Partnership

Juvenile Justice Partnership — Keeping Kids Out of Detention, Into Care

The Power of U partners directly with juvenile justice officers and the courts to make sure at-risk youth get the right level of care instead of being funneled into detention for issues that are really behavioral health problems, not criminal ones.

What This Program Does

• Works closely with Juvenile Justice officers to screen identified youth, so kids aren’t prosecuted criminally for behavior that’s rooted in a behavioral health or mental health disorder
• Administers an assessment (or another approved screening tool) to determine the appropriate level of placement and care
• Operates as a collaborative initiative alongside Juvenile Justice and the local behavioral health managed care organization, reducing unnecessary reliance on detention centers
• Connects screened youth to the right level of treatment or support instead of the justice system by default

Who It Serves

At-risk youth who come to the attention of the juvenile justice system in the organization’s Eastern North Carolina service area, and their families.

How Referrals Work

Referrals typically come through juvenile justice officers, court counselors, and partner agencies. Email referrals@upliftnc.org for more information.