Youth Enrichment Services

Last Content Update:

TTS Arlington Stream March 2016

Youth Enrichment Services - Alternatives to Detention


About YES

A unit within the Probation Department that provides court-involved youth diverse programming as alternatives to secure confinement (detention) and enrichment opportunities for the youth. Youth Enrichment Services programming is to promote positive youth development by encouraging communities and agencies to build upon the positive assets of youth. Our mission and vision is to help youth transition from adolescence to adulthood through acquisition of pro-social skills and supportive relationships with Youth Enrichment staff and the Snohomish County community. 

Programs

Youth Enrichment Services offers a variety of education, employment and positive youth development programs.


Mission

Our Mission is to improve public safety and long-term outcomes for juveniles in Snohomish County by:

  • Promoting positive youth development by encouraging communities and agencies to build upon the positive assets of the youth while providing overall support;
  • Providing appropriate research based programming to better serve the needs of the families and youth of Snohomish County; and,
  • Transitioning youth to become productive community members.


Guiding Principles

The core purposes of the juvenile justice system are to promote public safety and reduce juvenile delinquency by developing individual responsibility and accountability. These purposes must be pursued through means that are fair, just and recognize the unique characteristics and needs of juveniles.

  •  Youth who violate the law need to be held accountable. Effective, community-based alternatives are necessary to enhance and promote public safety as well as achieve better long-term outcomes for juveniles.
  •  To ensure secure detention is used only when appropriate, we have developed viable alternatives for juveniles who are in immediate danger but at low risk of re-offense. It is a priority of this initiative to continue to develop alternatives for these youth, including community-based alternatives when possible.
  •  As Snohomish County is an JDAI initiative based site, we strive to eliminate bias and ensure that all juveniles in the juvenile justice system – regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, economic status or physical ability – are treated fairly and equitably.
  •  The initiative cannot succeed without the active engagement and full participation of families and communities as stakeholders. Ownership and consensus of all stakeholders is key to: making system reform work; fostering positive change in juvenile behavior; and enhancing opportunities for juveniles to thrive in community.

JDAI-Based Approach

The Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) is an initiative designed to help youth who face juvenile justice system involvement by reducing the unnecessary and inappropriate use of secure detention, increasing system fairness, preserving public safety, and using taxpayer dollars in a cost-effective manner. To employ JDAI in Youth Enrichment Service Programs, we adhere to the following 8 Core JDAI Strategies.

  • Collaboration
  • Data Driven Decisions
  • Objectives Admissions Criteria and Instruments
  • Non-Secure Alternatives to Detention
  • Case Processing Reforms
  • Special Detention Cases
  • Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities
  • Conditions of Confinement