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 Detention Services
Case Management in Secure Detention Case managers ensure that each resident receives support and needed services throughout his or her stay in detention. Through case management, staff provides individualized attention to youth. Case Managers counsel youth, maintain contact with their families and their lawyer, monitor the court process and are responsible for ensuring that each youth's particular medical, mental health, educational and social service needs are addressed. Case Workers are present and available in all dormitories and group homes to help youth adjust to detention, and to deal with individual problems. A multi-disciplinary team of staff provide a range of services within the facility. Case Managers ensure that these services are coordinated and are tailored to meet each youth's needs. Chapel Services The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) full-time chaplain provides voluntary spiritual counseling and religious direction to youth in detention. Residents can attend services on weekdays, weekends and holidays. DYFJ’s Chapel Program brings clergy of different religions and denominations to the institution on a rotating basis. Education The NYC Department of Education (DOE) operates Passages Academy, a full time educational program that tailors its curriculum to the needs of youth in detention. A fully-staffed school is located within each of the Division of Youth and Family Justice Secure Detention facilities. Additionally, DOE operates four schools for youth in Non-Secure Detention. Students are assigned classes according to academic levels. Program instruction includes class work in an all major subjects, such as math, science and history. Passages Academy also provides instruction in computers, art, music, physical and health education. The Academy emphasizes project work and hands-on activities for the students. Monthly projects include science fairs, poetry readings and essay contests. A comprehensive special education program, including a resource room, speech and language services and psychological counseling, is provided to students with special needs. Teachers, guidance counselors and other school staff form a team, and also help residents transition back to the regular school system, upon release from detention. Health, Mental Health and Dental Services Around-the-clock health and mental health services are provided to juveniles in Secure and Non-Secure Detention through the Division of Youth and Family Justice’s (DYFJ) Secure Detention facilities. All youth receive an initial health screening upon admission. A comprehensive health assessment, including a complete health history, physical examination, laboratory tests and mental health assessment, is conducted within 72 hours after a youth arrives in detention. Each resident also receives a dental exam. DYFJ’s Mental Health Unit includes a psychiatrist and mental health professionals, who are available to conduct mental health evaluations, and to provide counseling and other mental health services as needed. Resident Advocacy Program The Resident Advocacy Program (RAP) advocates for the rights of detained youth, enhances accountability and strengthens the care of youth while monitoring the living conditions within ACS Division of Youth and Family Justice’s secure detention facilities in accordance with the Department’s policies and procedures. The Ombudsmen are available to confidentially investigate and resolve complaints on behalf of residents. As per the Resident Advocacy Program Directive # 07/08-section (IV) (3) (a), a resident, a parent/legal guardian or other relevant parties can contact the facility ombudsman to request ombudsman services. Parents/legal guardians or other external advocates who wishes to file a complaint can do so by clicking the link provided and sending Request form to the facility Ombudsman or calling the facility directly to speak with the Ombudsman. (link?) View biographies of the RAPC Members (in PDF format) Recreation Residents participate in a wide range of daily recreational activities. Outdoor yards, a gym, games, movie and a multi-purpose room are available. Music, art and general recreation rooms allow residents to spend time quietly and creatively. Special activities such as teen workshops, motivational speakers and sports tournaments are planned on a regular basis. Theme-months activities, such as Black History, Hispanic Heritage, Career, Health and Women's History, occur on an ongoing basis. |  |
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