Detention often gets a bad rap in the press. Even the Advocate, in its summer 2007 issue, published an excerpt from an article entitled “The Dangers of Detention.” While the article sought to focus on the dangers of inappropriate use of detention, the bulleted list would have the reader believe that detention facilities are terrible, dangerous places that adversely impact youth. A review of “The Dangers of Detention” article in full, particularly the sections on detention reform confirmed that, when appropriately utilized, Virginia’s detention facilities provide services consistent with “best practices” in the juvenile justice world. I would like to take some time to recognize a few of the programs and services in place in detention facilities across the Commonwealth. After learning more about Virginia’s amazing detention programs, I will then challenge you to tell me what’s so dangerousabout detention in Virginia.
One of the most significant recent developments in juvenile detention in Virginia is the detention mental health grant. This grant, channeled through the local Community Services Boards (CSBs), provides funding for onsite mental health services for detained youth. Services range from intake assessments, individual and group therapy, to psycho-educational groups. In some facilities, such as the New River Valley Juvenile Detention Home, psychiatric services are provided onsite. The grant funded mental health providers, usually licensed counselors and mental health case managers are employees of the local Community Services Board but their offices are at the juvenile detention facility. This connection to the CSB enables a smooth transition into community based treatment once the youth is released from detention. The detention mental health services providers have been instrumental in identifying and referring many youth who otherwise would have slipped through cracks in the system prior to the grants.
Another recent trend in dentition is the use of cognitive behavioral treatment models. The Merrimac Center in Williamsburg uses a cognitive behavioral model not only for their post disposition program, but for their entire facility’s behavior management system. The IMPACT-180 Post Disposition Program at the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center is also based on a cognitive behavioral model. Some examples of cognitive behavioral programs used across the Commonwealth are Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Thinking for a Change (T4C), and Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART). All of these programs are evidence-based and outcome focused. Speaking of outcomes, the Merrimac Center’s Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT) Program has reduced disciplinary room time from an average of 48 hours to less than 2.5 hours. This is valuable time that the youth will now spend in educational and other activities.
The array of services offered in post dispositional detention is quite diverse. The Norfolk Detention Center’s Post Disposition Program, as well as the programs in Chesterfield and Fairfax, relies on parent involvement for their program’s success. All three facilities provide individual and family therapy sessions. For youth who may not be returning home, independent living services are provided. All post disposition programs offer Anger Management, Victim Impact and Substance Abuse classes. Several, such as Fairfax’s Beta Program, actually have 12-Step programs onsite. There are also a growing number of programs which have aftercare components – Roanoke Valley, Loudon and Fairfax, to name a few.
Post Disposition Factoid: Did you know that detention
administrators regularly work with the courts to reduce the use of
post dispositional detention for punitive reasons? |
Something else you may notice in Virginia’s detention facilities is increased professionalism among detention staff. The Virginia Council on Juvenile Detention with support from Marilyn Miller, Detention Specialist with the Department of Juvenile Justice, has developed a Mid-level Manager’s Training Curriculum. This training, with separate tracks targeted at new and veteran detention supervisors, has been successfully conducted at strategically located detention facilities statewide. The training is two and a half days in length and includes five modules with the following topics: Juvenile Detention in Virginia – Statewide Overview and Standards; The Scope & Responsibility of Management; Staff Supervision; and Effectively Interacting with Residents, Families and Customers. The fifth module is an elective, with the topic for the upcoming round of trainings being Human Resources 101 for Detention Supervisors. To date, 80 participants have successfully completed Detention Mid-level Manager’s Training.
Detention is no longer an island unto itself. Our facilities are being utilized in new and exciting ways. Some examples are the use of the Highlands Juvenile Detention Home in Bristol as a satellite program for the Boys and Girls Club – Smart Moves Program as well as the Highlands Detention School Program’s involvement with NovaNet. This unique approach to educational instruction allows youth to participate in an online, comprehensive, standards based course of study at their own grade level. Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Detention Home, Newport News Detention and the Merrimac Center all participate in the “Detention Re-Entry” program. This program allows youth who have reached the last 30 to 60 days of their commitment to transition back into their home community while living at a detention facility. The role of detention statewide has moved from just a lock-up to that of a partner in our community’s network of youth services agencies.
Virginia’s detention programs provide essential services in a caring, professional environment. At five o’clock when most government offices close, the majority of detention worker’s days have just begun. Detention staff members are at work on weekends and holidays, during ice storms and floods all to ensure that the needs of youth in their care and public safety needs are met. These employees are obviously not “in it for the money.” They care about kids and understand that detention plays an important role in the rehabilitative process. So, the next time you see negative press about detention, please keep in mind the range of services provided at your local detention facility.
Ms. French is the Superintendent at the New River Valley Juvenile Detention Home. She also serves on the VJJA Board of Directors and is a past winner of VJJA's Meritorious Award in the Area of Residential Services.
