The Department is committed to early identification of problems that can escalate and place young people in the Juvenile Justice System. Services to at risk youths include individual and family counseling, advocacy, and drug abuse education. DJJ has several programs that give attention to the whole family when youths are at risk of getting into trouble. The biggest influence in a child's life is the family, so by working with parents or guardians and young people, the DJJ can help make family life stronger and more valuable. Young people participating in community-based programs live in their own homes or in surrogate homes while receiving treatment and supervision.
Services range from counseling to advocacy and special day programs.
DJJ is working to give young people the skills that will make them successful in school, in preparing for jobs, and as members of the community. DJJ has developed partnerships with private organizations to help prepare young people to enter the job market. Another important aspect of helping young people to change their behavior is participating in community service. DJJ has formed partnerships with organizations to provide young people with meaningful service. This service provides both help to neighborhoods and communities, and it teaches young people that there is a price to pay for committing offenses.