An early intervention success story
May 26, 2009, 16th Judicial District
Ms. Jennifer Smith* is a case manager for the school-based Prosecutor's Early Intervention Program (PEIP) in Louisiana's 16th Judicial District. The 16th JD has been working with the Models for Change initiative, the National Resource Bank and the local partners to develop a model middle school program (PEIP) that provides appropriate screening and assessment processes to identify risks and needs of referred youth in order to provide targeted interventions using evidence-based programs and practices to address their needs.
Ms. Smith was assigned the case of Roger, who was brought to court by his parents for ungovernability. Instead of "sending him away," as the parents requested, the judge referred him to PEIP.
During the assessment process, Ms. Smith learned that both Roger and his biological sister were adopted at the same time. Roger’s mother revealed that after a trial period with both children, she wanted to adopt the sister only, but relented to the adoption of both children "to keep the siblings together." Roger’s sister was described as a "perfect" child by her parents; however, Roger was described as having multiple problems and being a "troubled child." His mother reported specific behavior problems of stealing (resulting in one prior arrest), verbal abuse, and disobedience to parents.
Ms. Smith met with school officials to discuss Roger’s functioning at school. Ms. Smith’s discussion with school officials indicated that the school’s perception of the young boy’s behavior was quite different than the parent’s description. According to school officials, Roger, an eighth grader, was passing all subjects. His behavior and attendance were both satisfactory. Teachers described him as a model student who was polite, respectful, eager to learn, and who had good peer relationships. The youth’s teachers reported that they thought the youth’s problems stemmed from family issues.
Based on an assessment, an Informal Family Service Plan was developed for Roger and his family which included targeted services to address risk and needs. Roger received counseling from a PEIP Counselor focusing on building a positive self-concept and self-esteem. Roger also attended Positive Adolescent Choices Training classes (PACT), an evidence-based program associated with reductions in arrest rates for offenses and improvements in reacting to negativity displayed by others. Finally, the entire family participated in the ten-week Strengthening Families Program, an evidence-based program associated with improvements in family cohesion, communication and organization, leading to decreases in family conflict and stress, and children’s behavioral problems and conduct disorders.
Ms. Smith worked with Roger over a six month period, monitoring and supporting his progress throughout. Over the course of the intervention, Roger and his family appeared to learn and apply new skills. Contacts with the youth and his family revealed that problems at home were subsiding and according to Mom "everything was going well with the youth." The case was closed by Ms. Smith. Mom has since thanked the case manager for assisting the family. Roger continues to have good grades and has no discipline records or attendance issues.
*The names have been changed to protect the identity of the youth and family in this story.
- Issues
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Community-based alternatives
, Evidence-based practices
, Mental health
- States
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Louisiana
- Action networks
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Mental Health / Juvenile Justice Action Network