Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024
The assessment of youth is a critical component of the case
management system. The information gathered in this process is obtained through
a detention screening, intake screening, initial mental health and substance
abuse needs screening, comprehensive assessment, and comprehensive evaluation
of the youth. Assessment information forms the foundation for recommendations
to the court regarding a youth's treatment plan and allows the department to
provide the most appropriate services in the least intrusive manner.
(1) While the needs, strengths and history of
the individual youth will determine the how, what, when and where of
assessment, the process typically tracks the following sequence:
(a) Detention screening is completed
following the arrest and delivery of the youth to the department. The critical
component of detention screening is the Detention Screening Instrument (DSI).
The DSI is used to determine if a youth should be placed in detention care
prior to a detention hearing.
(b)
When a youth is delivered to the department for detention screening, the
screener shall also conduct an initial mental health and substance abuse
screening. This screening is initiated through a process which includes
administration of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument - 2 (MAYSI-2),
and administration of the Suicide Risk Screening Instrument (SRSI), a form that
documents the standardized questions asked by trained, designated staff upon a
youth's intake into the juvenile justice system, and upon admission to a
detention center, to identify suicide risk factors and the need for referral
for assessment of suicide risk as well as a review of any other documentation
of suicide risk factors that are available at the time of screening.
(c) The results of the initial mental health
and substance abuse screening may require a referral for a more detailed
assessment called a comprehensive assessment. This assessment is the gathering
of information used to assess for biological, psychological and social factors
as they relate to the youth's need for rehabilitative and treatment services,
including substance abuse treatment services, literacy services, medical
services, family services, and other specialized services, as
appropriate.
(d) After determining
whether the youth being delivered to the department meets detention criteria,
and after the initial mental health and substance abuse screening is completed,
the intake process is initiated. The intake process is an analysis of the facts
that resulted in the youth being delivered to the department. A summary of
those facts will be included in the State Attorney Recommendation (SAR) and the
Pre/Post-Disposition Report (PDR). The former is the tool used to inform the
state attorney what the department's suggestion is as to how to proceed with
the case. The latter is a resource used by the court to determine a disposition
for the youth's case once he or she enters a plea or is found guilty of an
offense.
(e) For youth whom a
residential commitment disposition is anticipated, a detailed assessment called
a comprehensive evaluation will be required. The comprehensive evaluation
includes the gathering of information which addresses physical health, mental
health, substance abuse, academic, educational, or vocational problems of a
youth for whom a residential commitment disposition is anticipated, which is
summarized in the youth's PDR.
(2) While other specialized instruments may
be used to assess the unique treatment needs of a youth, the evaluative
processes described above comprise the core functions for supporting informed
decision-making about the youth within the department's probation
program.
Rulemaking Authority 985.64, 985.601 FS. Law Implemented
985.14, 985.145 FS.
New 5-4-20.
