TCOOMMI
(TEXAS CORRECTIONS OFFICE ON OFFENDERS WITH MEDICAL AND MENTAL IMPAIRMENTS, SPECIAL NEEDS):
A collaborative program between KCF and the local juvenile probation department also known as SNDP (Special Needs Diversionary Program) through the juvenile probation department that is designed for youth who have juvenile justice involvement within the department, have a mental health diagnosis, in need of mental health services and are at high-risk of re-offending. The idea was that it would be difficult for youth to successfully complete their probation without taking in to account the role their mental health disorders played in their behavior and day to day interactions. This program was developed to provide appropriate mental health treatment and mental health supervision along with probation supervision in order to increase the chances of success. The communication and organization between the QMHP and JPO are crucial for this program to be successful, as the main roles of the QMHP is to be the advocate for the youth, provide skills training and case management while collaborating with the Juvenile Probation Department. The designated KCF TCOOMMI QMHP provides skills training and intensive case management services to a required caseload of 15 clients and their families. Clients also have access to all other KCF services. Clients who are currently in KCF services may be referred to TCOOMMI if the client possesses the qualifying criteria and appears to require the intensive services and supervision that are provided in this program. This type of referral must be submitted directly to the KCF Juvenile Justice/Case Management Supervisor and later staffed by the TCOOMMI team for appropriateness. As the majority of the referrals come directly from the juvenile probation officers to the TCOOMMI team, which include youth that may not be currently in services with KCF but are involved within the juvenile probation department and appear to be in need of the TCOOMMI program. If accepted into the TCOOMMI program, these youth will then be admitted into KCF services. TCOOMMI is voluntary and clients typically remain in the program for at least six months, though some clients may be served longer if determined and approved to be justified by the team.
COMMITTMENT REDUCTION PROGRAM (CRP)
A collaborative program involving KCF and the local juvenile probation department to reduce the commitment to TJJD and out of home placement, in which the goal is to reduce delinquency, increase offender accountability and rehabilitate juvenile offenders through a comprehensive, coordinated community-based juvenile probation system. The purpose of CRP is reduction of TJJD Commitment and for youth to stay within their local community, as the focus is the youth’s Social Network and Complex Needs. The mission is to develop and maintain social supports for youth & family in order to promote sustainability of treatment gains. CRP has two designated KCF QMHPs, where one is providing skills training and the other case management services to approximately 20-25 clients and their families who are mandated by the court to participate in this program. CRP includes more intensive probation supervision and intensive mental health services. Clients also have access to all other KCF services. These clients typically have some type of behavioral issue and often have a diagnosis of ODD or Conduct Disorder. They also have one or more convictions and are considered to be at high risk for admission into TJJD or for placement in a residential treatment center. The typical length of the program is a period of 6 months but can be extended if needed. Clients who are currently in KCF services may be referred to CRP if the client possesses the qualifying criteria and appears to require the intensive services and supervision that are provided in this program. The referral must be made to the KCF Juvenile Justice/Case Management Supervisor and later staffed by the CRP team for appropriateness. As the majority of the referrals come directly from the juvenile probation officers to the CRP team, which include youth that may not be currently in services with KCF but are on probation within the juvenile probation department and appear to be in need of CRP. If accepted into CRP, these youth will then be admitted into KCF services.
ENCIRCLE
A collaborative program involving KCF and the local Juvenile Probation Department is designed for youth who have juvenile justice involvement within the department and are having difficulties in school. These youths are placed or transitioning from McLennan County Challenge Academy. Services are focused on the academics, social, emotional, and family needs of each youth. The designated KCF Encircle QMHP provides skills training and intensive case management services to a caseload of approximately 35 clients and their families. This QMHP will also be available to provide clients in KCF services on other assigned caseloads while attending the McLennan County Challenge Academy skills training and/or crisis intervention services. Clients also have access to all other KCF services. Clients who are currently in KCF services may be referred to ENCIRCLE if the client possesses the qualifying criteria and appears to require the intensive services and supervision that are provided in this program. This type of referral must be submitted directly to the KCF Juvenile Justice/Case Management Supervisor and later staffed by the ENCIRCLE team for appropriateness. As the majority of the referrals come directly from the McLennan County Challenge Academy and Juvenile Probation officers to the ENCIRCLE team, which include youth that may not be currently in services with KCF but are involved within the Juvenile Probation Department and appear to be in need of the ENCIRCLE program. If accepted into the ENCIRCLE program, these youth will then be admitted into KCF services. ENCIRCLE is voluntary, and clients typically remain in the program until completion of enrollment at the McLennan Challenge Academy, though some clients may be served longer if determined and approved to be justified by the team.
JUVENILE JUSTICE TRANSITION TEAM (JJTT)
A KCF juvenile justice program designed to provide intensive mental health services to high-risk youth transitioning from TCOOMMI , CRP, Encircle and TJJD into less intensive on-going services. The designated KCF JJTT QMHPs provide skills training and intensive/routine case management services per caseload of 25 clients and their families. Clients also have access to all other KCF services. Referrals to JJTT will come from one of the three specialized juvenile justice programs and youth releasing back into their communities from TJJD along with those youth from substance abuse or residential treatment centers and relocating into our service areas. Youth upon completion within one of these three specialized programs will be referred internally as a matter of course to JJTT. The services for JJTT youth will be somewhat less intensive than those provided in one of the 3 intense JJ programs from which they have been transitioned but significantly more intense than services delivered to core KCF clients. The aim here, being to provide a step-down in intensity and frequency of services that is not as drastic as a pure transition from one of these JJ programs to core services thereby reducing recidivism and regression. Upon completion of the approximate 6 month episode of care JJTT youth with a continued need for mental health services will be transitioned to the appropriate KCF and/or community services, though some clients may be served longer if determined and approved to be justified by the team.