2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services Definition

Purpose

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services coordinate the services and supervision that can help youth address problems and develop the attitudes and skills needed to make responsible choices, avoid negative behaviors, and become productive, connected, and law-abiding members of their communities.

Definition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Programs supervise, monitor, and facilitate the delivery of services to youth involved with the juvenile justice system. Services are often, but not always, provided to youth living in their own homes and communities. Services may be provided: (1) as diversion from the juvenile justice system when it is determined that youth can be informally supervised and supported; (2) when youth are adjudicated delinquent and the disposition ordered is community supervision; (3) as case management for youth who are adjudicated delinquent and placed in a residential program; and/or (4) as aftercare following participation in another more intensive program. Programs may provide different levels of supervision and services, depending on the risks and needs of youth served.
 

Note:The agency's services will be reviewed and matched with the most appropriate Service Standard, regardless of the population served. When an agency operates a program where the service population includes but is not limited to youth involved with the juvenile justice system, it may be more appropriate to complete another Service Standard, such as Case Management (PA-CM).


Note:Please see PA-JJCM Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.


Note:For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the JJCM Crosswalk.

2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services (PA-JJCM) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model

The agency implements a program logic model that describes how resources and program activities will support the achievement of positive outcomes.

Note: Please see the Logic Model Template for additional guidance on this standard.  

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-JJCM 1.01

A program logic model, or equivalent framework, identifies:
  1. needs the program will address;
  2. available human, financial, agency, and community resources (i.e. inputs);
  3. program activities intended to bring about desired results;
  4. program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);
  5. desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in service recipients); and
  6. expected long-term impact on the agency, community, and/or system.
Interpretation: The program logic model should demonstrate a commitment to youth rehabilitation and identify how the services and supervision provided will meet the needs of youth while simultaneously protecting the safety of their families, the community, and personnel.

Examples: Please see the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide and COA's PQI Tool Kit for more information on developing and using program logic models.

Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to: 
  1. needs assessments and periodic reassessments; and 
  2. the best available evidence of service effectiveness.
 

PA-JJCM 1.02

The logic model identifies client outcomes in at least two of the following areas:
  1. change in clinical status;
  2. change in functional status;
  3. health, welfare, and safety;
  4. permanency of life situation; 
  5. quality of life; 
  6. achievement of individual service goals; and 
  7. other outcomes as appropriate to the program or service population.

Interpretation: Outcomes data should be disaggregated to identify patterns of disparity or inequity that can be masked by aggregate data reporting. See PA-PQI 5.02 for more information on disaggregating data to track and monitor identified outcomes. 

2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services (PA-JJCM) 2: Personnel

Program personnel have the competency and support needed to provide services and meet the needs of youth.
Interpretation: Competency can be demonstrated through education, training, or experience. Support can be provided through supervision or other learning activities to improve understanding or skill development in specific areas.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-JJCM 2.01

Direct service personnel are qualified by a bachelor's degree in a social or human service field, and experience working with youth.
 

PA-JJCM 2.02

Supervisors are qualified by:
  1. an advanced degree in a social or human service field; or
  2. a bachelor’s degree in a social or human service field and at least two years’ experience working with youth.
 

PA-JJCM 2.03

All direct service personnel are trained on, or demonstrate competency in:
  1. understanding youth development;
  2. assessing risks and safety;
  3. recognizing and responding to needs, including needs related to health, mental health, trauma, and substance use; 
  4. providing services in a culturally competent manner that considers gender and gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, developmental level, disability, and other relevant characteristics; and 
  5. understanding the different organizations, agencies, and systems likely to serve or encounter youth involved with the juvenile justice system.
 

PA-JJCM 2.04

The agency minimizes the number of workers assigned to youth over the course of their contact with the organization by:
  1. assigning a worker at intake or early in the contact; and
  2. avoiding the arbitrary or indiscriminate reassignment of direct service personnel.
 

PA-JJCM 2.05

Caseloads support the achievement of youth outcomes, are regularly reviewed, and generally do not exceed:
  1. 12 to 15 youth for high-intensity cases;
  2. 35 youth for medium-intensity cases; and 
  3. 40 to 50 youth for low-intensity cases. 
Interpretation: New personnel should not carry independent caseloads prior to the completion of training.

Examples: Factors that may be considered when determining caseloads include, but are not limited to:
  1. the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker, including the level of supervision needed;
  2. whether youth receive services from multiple team members or professionals, including collaborating service providers;
  3. case complexity and circumstances, including travel time, the intensity of youths' risks and needs, and the level of supervision required;
  4. case status, including progress toward achievement of desired outcomes;
  5. the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
  6. service volume.
2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services (PA-JJCM) 3: Engagement and Assessment

The agency contacts youth promptly, and conducts assessments that identify risks, needs, and strengths.
Interpretation: Youth may have been assessed elsewhere before arriving at an agency providing PA-JJCM. However, the agency should still take steps to further evaluate them. At minimum, the agency should review the results of previous assessments to ensure they meet COA’s standards, and conduct additional assessments if those done previously are insufficient.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 
Fundamental Practice

PA-JJCM 3.01

To promote safety and support timely initiation of services, the agency responds to referrals by:
  1. contacting youth promptly, within specified timeframes;
  2. gathering identifying and emergency contact information; 
  3. screening youth to identify emergency health needs and safety concerns, such as imminent danger or risk of future harm; and
  4. notifying referral sources if youth cannot be served, or cannot be served promptly.  
 

PA-JJCM 3.02

Youth participate in an individualized, culturally and linguistically responsive assessment that is: 
  1. completed within established timeframes; 
  2. updated as needed based on youths’ risks and needs; 
  3. focused on information pertinent for meeting service objectives; and
  4. supplemented with information provided by the referral source and/or collaborating providers, when appropriate.
 

PA-JJCM 3.03

Assessments are conducted in a standardized manner and address:
  1. youths’ strengths and assets;
  2. youths’ problems and needs; and
  3. risks youth pose to the community.

Interpretation: The Assessment Matrix - Private, Public, Canadian, Network determines which level of assessment is required for COA’s Service Sections. The assessment elements of the Matrix can be tailored according to the needs of specific individuals or service design.

 

PA-JJCM 3.04

When youth are in need of further evaluation by another professional, the agency promptly provides or makes arrangements for specialized assessments.
 

PA-JJCM 3.05

The agency collaborates with relevant parties, such as the court, to encourage placement of youth into programs that address their risks and needs in the least restrictive environment necessary.
Interpretation: Agencies should take steps to encourage appropriate placement decisions, to the extent possible. This will likely occur on a macro-level and address placements and referrals generally, but may also occur in relation to individual cases. 
2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services (PA-JJCM) 4: Service Planning

Each youth participates in the development of a service plan that is the basis for delivery of appropriate services, support, and supervision.
Interpretation: When services are provided as aftercare that follows another more intensive program, these plans may sometimes be referred to as “reentry plans” or “aftercare plans” rather than “service plans.” 

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-JJCM 4.01

An assessment-based service plan is developed in a timely manner with the full participation of youth and includes:
  1. goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them; 
  2. services and supports to be provided, and by whom; 
  3. the level of supervision needed, including the frequency and type of contacts required; 
  4. procedures for expedited service planning when crisis or urgent need is identified; and
  5. the signature of the youth and a parent or legal guardian.
Interpretation: To promote service continuity and facilitate a successful transition, organizations providing aftercare services should strive to develop plans before youth are released from their previous placements.
 

PA-JJCM 4.02

During service planning the agency explains:
  1. how youth and their progress will be monitored;
  2. any special terms or conditions, including conditions ordered by the court;
  3. benefits to be gained if the plan is fulfilled; and
  4. possible consequences of noncompliance.
Related Standards:

Examples: Special terms or conditions can include, but are not limited to, mandated curfews, school attendance, and drug testing.
 

PA-JJCM 4.03

Working in active partnership with youth, the agency collaborates with relevant organizations, agencies, and parties, as appropriate to the needs of individual youth and the nature of the services provided, to:
  1. arrange for the delivery and coordination of all needed services and supports; 
  2. advocate on behalf of youth; 
  3. mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system; and
  4. identify and develop opportunities for youth to become involved with or contribute to the community, when possible and appropriate.

Examples: Relevant organizations, agencies, and parties include those engaged with youth both during and prior to their involvement with the agency providing JJCM, including: court and legal personnel; law enforcement; and other organizations and agencies providing services to youth.  This includes staff at residential facilities when an agency provides case management to youth in residential placement, and both staff at youths' previous placements and community organizations and agencies, when an agency provides aftercare. Organizations and agencies that may serve or encounter youth in the community include, but are not limited to: child welfare agencies; schools; health care providers; mental health care providers; substance use treatment providers; parks and recreation services; libraries; cultural institutions; businesses; and faith-based institutions.

Note: Collaboration within the context of ongoing service monitoring is addressed further in PA-JJCM 6.
 

PA-JJCM 4.04

Personnel strive to engage families in service planning to the extent possible and appropriate, and encourage their involvement by:
  1. including family members in scheduling decisions;
  2. allowing participation through teleconferencing;
  3. assisting with transportation and childcare, as needed and to the extent possible; and
  4. developing and maintaining positive relationships with family members.

Examples: Personnel can develop positive relationships with family members and encourage their involvement by demonstrating: 
  1. sensitivity to the willingness of the family to be engaged; 
  2. respect for family members' autonomy and confidentiality;
  3. flexibility;
  4. persistence; and
  5. a non-threatening manner.
2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services (PA-JJCM) 5: Services and Supports

Youth are linked to services and supports needed to overcome problems, improve behavior, develop skills, build strengths, promote personal responsibility, and establish pro-social community connections.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-JJCM 5.01

Personnel develop positive, respectful relationships with youth, and:
  1. model pro-social behavior and attitudes;
  2. emphasize personal responsibility and accountability; and
  3. serve as a resource.
 

PA-JJCM 5.02

The agency maintains a comprehensive, up-to-date list of community programs and services, and information on how to access them.
 
Fundamental Practice

PA-JJCM 5.03

Youth are linked to programs and services needed to achieve goals and objectives identified in their service plans, including, as appropriate:
  1. health services;
  2. mental health and counseling services;
  3. services for substance use conditions;
  4. social and life skills development services; and
  5. educational and vocational services.
 

PA-JJCM 5.04

Youth are engaged in activities that help them understand the impact of past actions and behaviors, and repair any harm they may have caused.

Examples: Activities may include, but are not limited to, meaningful community service, restitution, and victim/offender mediation.
 

PA-JJCM 5.05

In an effort to cultivate positive community connections, personnel help youth identify:
  1. pro-social recreational and leisure time activities; and
  2. sources of pro-social support, such as mentors, community members, peers, siblings, or other family members.

Examples: Recreational and leisure time activities may include, but are not limited to, sports and athletic activities, cultural enrichment activities, and positive youth development clubs.
 

PA-JJCM 5.06

Youth are connected to services, supports, and activities that are appropriate for and sensitive to their age, developmental level, language, disability, gender and gender identity, culture, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and past experiences of trauma.
 

PA-JJCM 5.07

Youth have access to services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Examples: 24-hour access may be provided by, for example, using split shifts, or offering an emergency telephone hotline.
 

PA-JJCM 5.08

To strengthen the family’s ability to support and supervise youth, the agency connects family members with resources to help them:
  1. meet any unmet service needs;
  2. maintain and strengthen family relationships;
  3. prevent, manage, and resolve family conflicts; and
  4. identify strengths that can help them meet future challenges.
2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services (PA-JJCM) 6: Service Monitoring and Supervision

Regular supervision and monitoring allow the organization to ensure delivery of appropriate services, evaluate progress, and keep the community safe.

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VIEW THE STANDARDS

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 
Fundamental Practice

PA-JJCM 6.01

Supervision is provided:
  1. at an intensity, including frequency of contacts, appropriate to youths’ risks and needs; and
  2. in a variety of settings, including youths’ homes and communities, to the extent possible.
Interpretation: Electronic monitoring devices should not be used in place of personal contact, but may be used to supplement supervision.
 

PA-JJCM 6.02

Service monitoring includes:
  1. confirmation that services have been initiated;
  2. ongoing verification that youth have been engaged and continue to participate in services;
  3. attention and response to any complaints or problems that develop during service delivery; and
  4. evaluation of performance and progress.
 

PA-JJCM 6.03

The worker and a supervisor, or a team of relevant personnel, review the case quarterly, or more frequently depending on youths’ risks and needs and the anticipated duration of service, to assess:
  1. service plan implementation;
  2. progress toward achieving goals and desired outcomes;
  3. the continuing appropriateness of goals and timeframes; and
  4. the level of supervision needed, including the frequency of contacts required.
Interpretation: When experienced workers are conducting reviews of their own cases, the worker’s supervisor must review a sample of the worker’s evaluations as per the requirements of the standard.
 

PA-JJCM 6.04

The worker and youth, and the youth’s family when possible and appropriate:
  1. review progress toward achievement of goals; and 
  2. sign revisions to goals and plans.
 
Fundamental Practice

PA-JJCM 6.05

When it is necessary to search youth or their property, trained personnel do so according to procedures that:
  1. are consistent with applicable state and federal law;
  2. define when there is reasonable cause to conduct a search;
  3. call for supervisory approval in advance of the search, when possible;
  4. minimize the invasiveness of the search;
  5. respect youths’ dignity; and
  6. establish a process and timetable for administrative review.
Interpretation: Agencies should conduct more invasive searches only when there is reason to do so, and should demonstrate that these searches are: (1) conducted by qualified staff, and (2) accompanied by an increased level of administrative review.
NA The agency does not conduct searches.
 

PA-JJCM 6.06

The agency appropriately and consistently documents, reviews, and reports incidents of youth noncompliance in accordance with any requirements specified by the court or another party with jurisdiction over youth.
2024 Edition

Juvenile Justice Case Management Services (PA-JJCM) 7: Case Closing and Follow-Up

The agency works with youth to plan for case closing, and follow-up assistance is available for youth who need help avoiding future delinquency.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-JJCM 7.01

Planning for case closing:
  1. is a clearly defined process that includes assignment of staff responsibility;
  2. begins at intake; and
  3. involves the worker, the youth, a parent or legal guardian, and others, as appropriate.
 

PA-JJCM 7.02

A written summary of the supervision period is provided to the court or another party with jurisdiction over the youth, and includes an assessment of:
  1. any unmet needs;
  2. the degree to which goals were or were not achieved; and
  3. reasons for success or failure.
 

PA-JJCM 7.03

Upon case closing, the agency notifies any collaborating service providers, as appropriate.
 

PA-JJCM 7.04

Youth are provided with information about how to contact the agency in case they need support or emergency assistance to avoid future delinquency.
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