About the Program Model
Southwest Key's Alternatives to Out-of-Home Placement model is designed to provide highly effective case management services that prevent at-risk youth from repeat violations that could result in juvenile probation or detention. Youth and families are provided with a unique combination of support services designed to address the needs of their specific circumstances, discourage future acts of delinquent behavior, and promote positive youth development.
The level of service provided is tailored to the individualized need of the particular youth and family referred to the program. The individualized approach to the delivery of case management services allows each youth and family to receive the precise combination of services needed in response to their particular circumstances.
The model addresses the multiple contributing factors to a youth's potential detention including, but not limited to multiple violations, failure to attend school, and curfew violations. Our casework staff work in partnership with the youth and family to address and overcome these factors, ultimately supporting their efforts to lead law-abiding and productive lives.
Program Types
Wraparound, Community Connections, Status Offender Diversion Programs, Intensive Home-Based Services, Family Keys
Current Program Locations
Erie County (Buffalo), New York; Orange County (Goshen & Newburgh), New York; Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; McAllen, Texas
Population Served
Youth referred to these programs have low to medium risk levels, indications of mental health and substance abuse issues and a violation of conditions of probation. Primary reasons for their violating juvenile probation include truancy, curfew violations, and substance abuse.
Program Components
Coordination of Youth & Family Support Teams
Transition & Discharge Planning Services
Education Support
Clinical Support Services & Case Management
Individual & Group Counseling
Family Development & Counseling
Linkage to Community Resources
24-Hour Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning
Comprehensive Assessments
Vocational Readiness Support
Supervision and Tracking
Outcomes
Sample drawn from Southwest Key's Community Connections program in Orange County, New York in 2008:
* 91% of children were not rearrested for a crime during their enrollment in the program
* 82% of children exhibited improvement in school attendance
* 93% of families expressed overall satisfaction with SWK services
* 88% of youth completed program without having an out of home placement
Sample drawn from Southwest Key's Community Connections program in Erie County, New York in 2008:
* 97% of clients received immediate intervention services within 24 hours of referral
* 93% of youth completed the service without being placed in an institutional setting
* 95% of youth completed the service without having an AWOL petition
For more information about this program model, contact:
Veronica Delgado-Savage
Vice President of Youth Justice Programs
Southwest Key Programs
vdelgadosavage@swkey.org
512.462.2181
