Juvenile System Agencies That Help With Treatment Options

If a juvenile you know has addiction or behavior problems or is diagnosed with mental illness, there are juvenile system agencies that can help with treatment options. Whatever the issue is or whatever the diagnosis consists of, there are agencies that can help with treatment. Agencies include family services, county or state mental health services, residential treatment centers and your local school system.

Family Services

• Family services are agencies run by the state that help families in crisis. If your child needs treatment options where the health and safety of the child is at risk, your local family services is a good option. They work closely with mental health agencies and the judicial systems to make sure the best treatment options are made available. These services are free and with their guidance you may find more opportunities and more varieties of treatment. If the juvenile needs treatment because of behavior problems, family services works with the courts to help the family find treatment options that are appropriate.

State Mental Health

• State mental health offices are a resource for children or juveniles who are suffering from mental illness. The child can receive mental health treatment once a month, once a week, or even several times a week. Most mental health offices have a 24-hour emergency psychologist on duty to help juveniles at risk of self-harm or suicide. Mental health professionals work with family services, the courts, and school districts so that all arenas of the child's mental health can be addressed. All services are confidential and only with the guardian's permission can information about the juvenile be released.

Residential Treatment Centers

• Residential treatment centers are a treatment option for severe mental or behavioral problems. The juvenile will live at the facility and receive behavior modifications, therapy, education and social skill training. Most of these placements last from ninety days to several years. Therapies can include individual therapy, group therapy, animal therapy and socialization training. Most treatment facilities are required to have certified educators, therapists, and psychologists on staff. Medical treatment is usually included in the program. These programs are very expensive but most can be paid by insurance, Medicare, or through state assistance.

Local School System

• The school district in your town or county has counselors and trained professionals who can give you options for low-impact treatment. If the juvenile is a special education student, there are options at the school level. Specialized behavior plans, social skill training, and one-on-one assistance with impulse behavior can be implemented in the individual education programs. If the juvenile is not special needs, there are social workers and mental health workers who contract with the school system to offer more treatment for the juvenile. These treatment options are free.