Assessment and Interventions
All youth who are received into the JTC are assessed, classified, and provided services utilizing Risk, Need, and Responsivity principals. Youth are screened for appropriate detention criteria, assessed for services along with court and commitment recommendations. The Positive Achievement Change Tool (PACT) is utilized to determine the youth's areas of need.
Targeted interventions are individualized for each youth, who remains detained, utilizing information gathered in the assessment process. Youth are provided interventions designed to address, modify, stabilize, or build protective factors surrounding the identified need. Curriculum based groups, enrichment programs, and psychoeducational components which are provided to youth are best practice, trauma informed, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate. Interventions offered at the JTC include but are not limited to Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Matrix Model Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Interactive Journaling, gender specific programming, educational services, family therapy, and Thinking for Change.
Commitment Programs
The JTC offers four separate commitment programs ranging in length from 30 to up to 240 days. Youth are recommended for each program based on the youth's identified individual needs coupled with the available interventions and programs provided in each commitment.
Challenge
The Challenge Program serves youth who are a higher risk to reoffend and may need intensive interventions and services. The Challenge Program is up to a 240-day commitment allowing youth, their families, service providers, and the probation department to address targeted needs of the youth. Youth complete a variety of interventions aimed at addressing cognitions, decision making, life skills, healthy relationships, work success, anger management, and self-esteem. Regular family meetings and temporary releases are incorporated in the program to assist in the reunification process. Transition and aftercare plans are developed to assist in the transition back to the community and residence. Prior to completion, each Challenge Program participant is required to complete a project which includes a research paper and presentation on a topic relative to their life.
Changes
The Changes Program serves youth who are a moderate to high risk to reoffend and may need intensive interventions and services. The Changes Program is up to a 180-day commitment allowing youth and their families, service providers, and the probation department to address targeted needs of the youth. Youth may complete a variety of interventions aimed at addressing cognitions, decision making, life skills, healthy relationships, work success, anger management, and self-esteem. Regular family meetings and temporary releases are incorporated in the program to assist in the reunification process. Transition and aftercare plans are developed to assist in the transition back to the community and residence. Prior to completion, each Changes Program participant is required to complete a project on a topic relative to their life.
Choices
The Choices Program serves youth who are a moderate to high risk to reoffend and may need intensive interventions and services. The Choices Program is up to a 90-day commitment allowing youth and their families, service providers, and the probation department to address targeted needs of the youth. Youth may complete a variety of interventions aimed at addressing cognitions, decision making, life skills, healthy relationships, work success, anger management, and self-esteem. Interventions and services are available to address acute needs and provide referrals to community-based providers. Family meetings and temporary releases are incorporated in the program to assist in the reunification process. Transition and aftercare plans are developed to assist in the transition back to the community and residence. Prior to completion, each Choices Program participant is required to complete a project on a topic relative to their life.
Chances
The Chances Program serves youth who are a moderate risk to reoffend or who may have relapsed and may need acute needs addressed and referrals to community-based providers. The Chances Program is up to a 30-day commitment allowing youth and their families, service providers, and the probation department to address acute needs of the youth with a focus on transitioning back to the community for services. Transition and aftercare plans are developed to assist in the transition back to the community and residence.
Matrix Model Drug Treatment
The JTC provides two types of substance abuse treatment, the Matrix Model Adolescent Education program and the Matrix Model Intensive Adolescent Treatment program.
The Matrix Model Adolescent Education program is an educational program, up to 60 days in length, intended for youth who are assessed to not having a significant substance abuse or addition problem. The program incorporates individual and group sessions where the youth work with a certified Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor. The assigned counselor provides interventions and develops a post-release relapse prevention plan.
The Matrix Model Intensive Adolescent Treatment program is a concentrated program, up to 180 days in length, for the treatment of substance abuse and addictions addressing early recovery and relapse preventions. This program assists youth in gaining sobriety with individual and group therapy, anger management, and family participation. Youth are assigned an AOD counselor that works with the youth to provide interventions to the youth and family, as well as the transition home.
Recreation
The JTC provides a structured program of daily activities. In addition to mandatory school attendance, recreation and exercise are scheduled a minimum of three hours per day during the week and five hours on each weekend day or non-school day. Outdoor activity is strongly promoted and at least one hour of physical activity is scheduled outdoors, weather permitting. During the evenings and weekends, there are additional recreational programs offered at the JTC that include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, church service, movies, visiting, letter writing, book club, arts and crafts, and open recreation periods that include individual and team sports.
Education Services
Blue Ridge School is located within the JTC and is operated by the El Dorado Office of Education (EDCOE). Youth receive at least 24 hours of instruction each week. The California Standard/Community Core Standards based curriculum is delivered to all youth through a hybrid direct and individual instructional model. Blue Ridge School Course of Study (grades 9 – 12) includes all subjects required for a youth to complete high school course requirements. Completed coursework and credits are transferable to all schools. Qualifying youth may obtain their high school diploma from Blue Ridge School. Resources are available to all special education youth which accommodate the requirements of their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Preparation for the General Education Development (GED) is available for those youth who qualify. Youth who participate in the Challenge Program are assigned a research project which includes a power point presentation and culminating activity prior to completion of the program.
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health services are provided by Tahoe Youth and Family Services (TYFS) and El Dorado County Probation. Licensed therapists are available on site to work with youth on a regular basis. Youth may request services or the JTC staff may refer any youth they think may benefit. Psychiatric services are provided by Wellpath. Aftercare services after release are available for many youth through TYFS.
Medical Services
Wellpath, Inc. provides the JTC with health services. Wellpath is a private medical provider that provides similar services at jails and juvenile detention facilities throughout the country. The medical staff is on site at least six days per week to administer medications and conduct physical exams of the youth in need of medical attention. Youth can request to be seen by medical staff anytime they are on site. After regular business hours, an on-call medical staff is available to assist staff with any medically related question or concern. Emergency situations are handled at Barton Memorial Hospital.
Anger Management Program
An anger management program is available to youth, including counseling and education in the identification, management, and appropriate expressions of anger. Youth learn to identify triggers and utilize coping tools and relaxation techniques.
Diet and Nutrition
The JTC has an on-site kitchen that prepares three well balanced and nutritious meals daily that meet the California Child Nutrition requirements. A registered dietician reviews and approves all menus, and ensures all special medical dietary needs and restrictions are met. The facility is inspected yearly by the Environmental Health Department and operates under a yearly permit issued by that agency. The Correctional Food Services Supervisor has completed the Food Safety Manager Certification. The facility consistently meets and frequently exceeds the standards set forth by the Health and Safety Code, Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations, and the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law.