Success in Berks County

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We’re very appreciative of the work our staff member Juan Cortez Correno did on this challenging case.

And we thank Berks County Caseworker Minerva Ruiz for taking the time to acknowledge Juan.

Hi Juan,

Thanks s much for sticking out on our first, all Spanish speaking FGDM. Raisa (cw) and Michele (cw supervisor) has talked so well about you, and your amazing work in empowering the Pena family. I wanted to take the moment to greatly thank you again. I am very happy that the Pena family expressed how content they are with you as there worker, and how much Donald has slowly, but, surely been bonding with you. I look forward to working with you again in the future. I will see you in a month for the families post conference.

Gracias,

Minerva F. Ruiz, MSW
Berks County Children and Youth Services
Family Group Decision Making Coordinator

Outcomes Have No Borders

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In June 2011, Renee Kresge and Dipesh Chauhan had the opportunity to attend the International American Humane FGDM Conference in Henderson, NV.  There they shared their experiences and built future connections to support the FGDM philosophy to other states, regions and countries.  One resource they encountered were representatives from the George Hull Centre for Children and Families in Ontario, Canada.  They were very interested to hear that JusticeWorks has provided FGDM to youth aging out of care and  how successful it has been for those youth.  George Hull is looking to have their next successful FGDM population with older, independent youth.  Renee was asked to write an article for their quarterly newsletter to be presented at the FIRST EVER, Canadian FGDM Conference in September 2011.

Family Group Conferencing Ontario Provincial Resource, Issue 7 Special Edition (Download PDF)

Cumberland Joins JusticeWorks

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JusticeWorks YouthCare recently received a new member to it’s community. On September 12, 2011, Cumberland County Children & Youth Services, and Juvenile Probation contracted with JusticeWorks. We are providing our signature services, STOPP®, JustCare®, and VIP® as well as our Institutional Case Management Program, Community Service Program, and our Truancy Remediation Service.

Our Truancy Remediation Service uses the evidenced based Curriculum, WhyTry. This program will be piloted in one of the local school districts in an effort to reduce absenteeism.

We are proud to be a value added partner to Cumberland County Children & Youth, and Juvenile Probation and are honored to have been selected to support their efforts in supporting the families and community of Cumberland County.

JusticeWorks Cited for Growth. Again!

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In a recent celebration, the Pittsburgh Business Times honored JusticeWorks as one of Pittsburgh’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies! We were #19 with a 2 year growth rate of more than 90%! This is the third year in a row that we’ve made the list.

We are honored that counties throughout Pennsylvania (approaching 20) and now, other states (South Carolina open and California in formation) have entrusted us with assisting their most challenging cases.

We’re especially honored that, in this tough recessionary climate, our cost-effective alternatives are being recognized as a powerful tool for Juvenile Courts and Child Welfare agencies to stretch their budgets and achieve better outcomes.

And, we’re proud that our staff roster has increased by 96%. With so many people unemployed, it is great to be able to give a professional home to more and more. And, as always, we know that our growth reflects positive results and those are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our fantastic staff.

Just with the opportunities in the pipeline now, we’re confident that we’ll back on the list next year… Stay tuned.

JusticeWorks to Open Alternative Education School!
Compass Academy Creates “Positive Direction for Life”

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On August 26, 2011 JusticeWorks will open its Compass Academy in Mt. Carmel (Northumberland County), PA.

Compass Academy is licensed by the PA Department of Education as an Alternative School for Disruptive Youth and will serve high school students with behavioral problems and academic underachievement.

Compass Academy incorporates two Evidence Based Practices: PositiveBehavioral Interaction and WhyTry to establish a positive culture of learning; a value for lifelong education; and helping students attend school every day.

In addition to teachers, Compass Academy has on-site behavioral counseling aid. We use local school district curricula and help students perform at grade-level. We use the community as a classroom and create enjoyable teachable moments and provide valuable community service. We are flexible in our approach and rigorous in our standards.

We invite community members into the school to help students see a positive future for themselves. We reach out proactively to our students’ parents to help them maintain homework and behavioral boundaries.

Several Northumberland School Districts have contracted with CompassAcademy and we’ll be able to serve about 50 students. We’re excited that summer’s just about over and school’s in!

Kudos From Pike County JPO!!

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Dan,

I have taken notice of a demonstration of purpose in JusticeWorks activity, reports and meaningful comments.  I queried the satisfaction of our  juvenile probation officers and they confirm agreement.  Justice Works – Pike County staff have increased relational skills and their case management savvy is beyond wishful thinking.  I have increased confidence a consistent message is being delivered to both youth and parent alike through JW and probation officers.  We have open lines of communication and mutual support.  BARJ principles are on course.

Thank you for your efforts, the leadership of Theresa Fonalledas and the commendable skill and interest of her team in delivering an excellent service to Pike County youth.

Sincerely,

Ed Joyce
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer
Pike County

We appreciate the active partnership of Chief Joyce and his team and we’re proud to have met their expectations.

Sweet 16: JusticeWorks Welcomes Indiana County Children & Youth Services.

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On June 1st, JusticeWorks YouthCare began serving Indiana County Children and Youth Services.  They became the 16th county that JusticeWorks serves in Pennsylvania.

We are providing our signature programs, STOPP® & JustCare® along with FGDM and a Transportation Program.

Paula McClure, the Executive Director of Indiana County Children and Youth Services, had this to say about the decision to contract with JusticeWorks;

“I liked your philosophy “Whatever it Takes”.  CYS wants families to resolve issues so the family foundation can be successfully built upon.  I like the fact that we are not trying to “fit” the family into services but the services are “tailored” to the family’s needs.”

We are excited to have become a value added partner to Indiana County Children & Youth Services and pledge Whatever it takes to help build better futures for youth, families, and the community of Indiana County.

JusticeWorks Welcomes Armstrong County Children and Youth Services

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Armstrong has become the 14th county in Pennsylvania to contract as a partner for our signature programs: STOPP® & JustCare®.

Armstrong County Children & Youth Administrator, Dennis Demangone had this to say about selecting JusticeWorks:

“We are pleased to add JusticeWorks YouthCare as a service provider resource to our Armstrong County families.  Your reputation to successfully engage youth and their families in producing desired outcomes is borne in my inquiry of some of your current county agency partners.”

We are proud to be a member of the Armstrong county community.  As a value added partner, JusticeWorks will replicate its state-wide positive outcomes while continuing to be cost effective.

JusticeWorks is honored by their trust in us and pledge to do whatever it takes to build better futures for youth and families of Armstrong County.  We will begin operations there in June, 2011.