Frequently Asked Questions
My child is out of control,
what can I do?
Call the Juvenile Intake Office at 879-4742. A staff
member will provide you with information on the availability
of Court- and community-based services.
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My child was arrested last
night, where should I go to find out what has happened and
to see him or her?
Call the Juvenile Intake Office at 879-4742. A staff
member will provide you with information on how to proceed
and when/where you will need to report.
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How can I find the name and
phone number of my child's probation officer?
Call 508-1900 from 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Monday through
Friday. A Social Services Division staff member will provide
the name and phone number of your child's probation
officer.
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What is Diagnostic?
Diagnostic is a predisposition period during which
a social services investigation is conducted for each youth
and his or her family. At the conclusion of the investigation,
a comprehensive report consisting of a social, emotional,
educational, and delinquency history of the youth is submitted
to the judge. The report also includes a recommendation for
a plan of treatment services and a recommendation for sentencing.
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Why is my son/daughter being
reassigned to another probation officer?
Most likely this has happened because his or her
case has been transferred to a Social Services Division diagnostic
team for the completion of a social study. Your new probation
officer has the responsibility to prepare a thorough document
for the judge that provides in-depth information on the child.
This includes arrest record, family background, education
and health histories, and an assessment of identified strengths
and needs. The social study concludes with a recommended treatment
plan. During the social study period, the diagnostic probation
officer must monitor the youth if he or she remains in the
community prior to sentencing. This is not only to ensure
compliance with conditions the judge made on release, but
also to assess the youth's amenability to community-based
supervision.
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Why do you ask so many personal
questions?
We need to know as much information about the youth
and his or her family to make appropriate recommendations
for treatment and sentencing.
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What do you expect of me (the
parent)?
Your assistance is critical to the completion of
a thorough investigation and to the delivery of services for
your child. You will be expected to participate in an interview
during which you need to detail your child's developmental
history and family relationships. You will also be interviewed
regarding your own social history. You will have to ensure
your child's availability for all referrals and full
compliance with all Conditions of Release. A home visit will
be conducted.
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What happens at the Disposition
Hearing?
The judge must decide the most appropriate "sentence"
for your child who has been found involved or entered a plea
of involvement to the offense with which he or she has been
charged. A decision will be made as to whether your child
requires further monitoring and services. If so, the options
are--
- Probation supervision while the juvenile remains in the
community;
- A more restrictive setting to ensure the community's
safety and compliance with the Disposition Order (Commitment
to the Youth Services Administration for placement in a
group home or at Oak Hill);
- Placement in either a residential or hospital setting
for treatment of serious mental health or substance abuse
issues.
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During the Disposition hearing, the judge weighs the input
from all parties including the input provided in the social
study.
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What is the Child Guidance/Family
Counseling Clinic?
The Child Guidance/Family Counseling Clinic provides
comprehensive testing, evaluation and counseling services
to court involved youth and their families.
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Why does the Court request
psychological evaluations?
The Court orders or requests psychological evaluations
to provide information to judges, probation officers, and
parents regarding the educational, emotional, and social needs
of the child/adolescent for the purpose of planning appropriate
interventions.
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How long will the evaluation
take?
Each evaluation is tailored to the child's
age, education, rate of response, and specific need. Since
the evaluations are comprehensive, it may require several
hours to complete all aspects of the assessment.
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Why are parents asked to
accompany their children/adolescents?
As with any evaluation, parents assist the child
or adolescent in finding the Clinic and being prepared for
the evaluation, and they provide emotional support. Parents
are also an important source of information regarding the
child's health, education, development, and adjustment.
Parents also ask questions and present their concerns. Parents
are essential participants in the assessment as they complete
questionnaires that contribute to the comprehensive evaluation.
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What is Individual Counseling?
Individual counseling or therapy is a process in
which the child or adolescent expresses his or her feelings
regarding events and circumstances in life that impact on
adjustment to adolescence or impede effective functioning
at home or in the community. Through a variety of techniques,
the counselor assists the youth in experiencing feelings,
developing social skills, and creating new ways of problem
solving. Parents support their children in attending sessions
regularly, participating actively, and implementing new strategies.
Parents may attend collaborative sessions at their request
or at the request of the counselor.
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Why am I being referred
for family counseling services?
Your probation officer or the judge referred you
because they felt your family could benefit from these services
so that your child does not return to the criminal justice
system.
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How long is the program?
The Social Services Division provides 16 sessions
with families. The sessions are held weekly for approximately
45 to 60 minutes each.
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What is the Juvenile Drug
Court Program?
The Juvenile Drug Court Program is currently an eight-month
substance abuse treatment program aimed at promoting abstinence
and healthy living choices for juveniles and their families.
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What are eligibility criteria
for the Juvenile Drug Court Program?
- Juveniles must be between the ages of 15 and 18.
- Juveniles who have been assessed and determined to be
drug-dependent or have a drug disorder are eligible.
- Juveniles must be on probation for an eligible charge
(one not involving violent offenses or sexual charges).
- Juveniles must be free of emotional or mental health problems,
which would impair their ability to participate.
- Juveniles must be District of Columbia residents.
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What are the specific interventions
and services provided?
- Initial assessment to determine eligibility;
- Case Management by two probation officers, a traditional
Supervision Officer, and a Treatment Case Manager;
- Bi-weekly drug testing;
- Participation in individual and therapeutic group counseling;
- Family counseling to encourage parental support;
- Coordination of psychological and psychiatric evaluations;
- Bi-weekly Court Review Hearings to increase juvenile
accountability;
- Based on the Individual Treatment Plan, the following
services may be incorporated: School Advocacy, Tutoring,
Mentoring, and Recreational Programs.
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How can I get my child's
criminal record cleared?
Two years from the termination date of a probation
order, a request (motion) can be filed with the Family Court
to seal the juvenile record. This can only occur if the child
has not been found guilty or in need of supervision or convicted
of a crime during the two year period. He or she must have
no pending proceedings.
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