Youth Justice provides a variety of direct and collaborative services and programming to youth and families.  The focus is a balanced approach to protect the community, hold youth accountable for their actions, and build competencies in youth to help them become productive, responsible individuals.  Services are typically court ordered; however, on a case-by-case basis, voluntary and preventative services may be offered.   We strive to prevent or reduce delinquent behavior and to strengthen parental control and functioning, through the use of Trauma Informed Care and evidence-based practices.  Staff maintain close coordination with law enforcement, schools, the Court System, the District Attorney's Office, community resources, and other counseling service agencies.  Services provided within this unit are primarily governed by the Juvenile Justice Code (Chapter 938) and other state and county mandates, and policies.

Intake Services:   Youth Justice is responsible for the initial screening and assessment of   youth referred to the Department for delinquency offenses. Intake workers review the referrals to ensure that the allegations meet jurisdictional criteria. The youth and their family are invited to an intake conference where an interview and additional information is gathered. A Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI) Prescreen occurs and a recommendation is made to the District Attorney’s Office.  Referrals may be handled informally, referred to court, or closed. Temporary placement decisions are made by the Intake Worker regarding youth taken into custody. Placement services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Supervision Services:  Supervision services focus on assisting families in overcoming problems that the family is experiencing which have resulted in Juvenile Court intervention. Supervision services include completion of the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI) full assessment with the youth and family, recommendations to the Juvenile Court for treatment and supervision, case plan development and implementation, and supervision of the youth’s behavior as directed by the Juvenile Court Order or Deferred Prosecution Agreement. When necessary, court ordered sanctions are utilized to hold youth accountable to violations of their court orders. Out-of-home placements are recommended when the youth can no longer remain in the home for safety reasons and community protection.

Teen Court:  Teen Court is a diversionary program for first time youth offenders ages 12 through 16, who have committed a misdemeanor offense or received an ordinance citation. Teen Court is staffed by other youth volunteers who act as prosecutor, defense attorney and jury. Youth Justice staff oversee the court in the role of Judge. Youth are sentenced by a jury of their peers. Teens that successfully complete the Teen Court Program will face no further court action regarding their offense. 

ROOTS (Resilience in Overcoming Obstacles to Success): ROOTS is a program designed for male and female youth between the ages of 12 to 17 whom are the subject of serious delinquency charges in the Juvenile Court. Youth are placed in the Fond du Lac County Secure Detention facility with additional programming provided. Per Wisconsin State Statute 938.34(3)(f), the maximum length of time in the program may be for no longer than 365 days.

While youth are in ROOTS, they will be required to engage and participate in a number of services that are designed to promote change in thoughts and behaviors. Services include, but are not limited to: mental health/substance use therapy, family therapy, mentoring, Carey Guides and BITS, fine arts, cooking/nutrition, book club/movie study, victim empathy, anger management/Life Skills, community service, Teen Court, and a tailored education plan through the Fond du Lac School District.

For inquiries regarding the ROOTS Program and placement availability, please contact the Youth Justice Supervisor or Intake Workers at (920) 929-3500. ROOTS Brochure

Community Youth Advocate Program: The CYA Program is offered through Fond du Lac County Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Fond du Lac School District.  The Youth Advocate will act in the best interest of the youth they are working with.  This can be with assisting youth and their families in all areas of life, such as: education, health, housing, food, employment, transportation, peers, relationships.  The program offers supportive services individualized around the youth and family’s needs.

Other Services Offered: 

• Individual and family counseling
• Parenting training
• Crisis intervention
• Alternate care placement
• Restitution program
• Community Service
• Electronic Monitoring/GPS Program/Alcohol Monitoring
• Juvenile Corrections and Aftercare Services
• Report Center
• Victim Offender Mediation
• Victim Empathy
• Mentoring
• Employment Assistance
• Carey Guides and BITS
• Cooking Class
• Life Skills/Anger Management youth group
• RYTE/CEP prison field trip
• Boundaries and Technology youth group
• Online tailored curriculums

Fees:  There are fees for some services, such as monthly charges for supervision services, GPS/Alcohol Monitoring, placements, and counseling and therapy services not otherwise covered by health insurance.  Fees are charged based on ability to pay.

Resources:

• Guide to Juvenile Court Process
• Juvenile Restitution Payments
• Challenge Academy  
• Job Corps
• NetSmartz – Online safety education program for youth and parents/caregivers

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