In 2010, the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University developed the Crossover Youth Practice Model (CYPM) to address the unique needs of youth who fluctuate between and are known to the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. These youth are commonly referred to as “crossover youth.” A disproportionate number of crossover youth are youth of color and girls, and the population as a whole generally requires a more intense array of services and supports than other youth known to each system individually. In 2016 Pima County Juvenile Court embarked upon implementation of the practice model with CJJR engaged as the technical advising team.
The Crossover Youth Practice Model focuses on reducing the number of youth crossing over and becoming dually-involved; reducing the number of youth placed in out-of-home care; reducing the use of congregate care; and reducing the disproportionate representation of youth of color, particularly in the crossover population. The PCJCC along with all of our respective allies are committed to ensuring crossover youth are identified at the earliest time possible; initiating an aligned assessment process to inform decision making; sharing the necessary and appropriate information in a timely manner for best outcomes; pursuing strategies that prevent crossover youth from becoming formally involved in the juvenile justice system; ensuring that child welfare and juvenile justice agencies work in a coordinated manner, including requiring child welfare and juvenile justice workers to actively engage families; and ensuring both the child welfare and juvenile justice staff attend both delinquency and dependency hearing matters.
For more information on PCJCC implementation of the CYPM please contact Probation Assistant Division Director John Jackson.
For general information on the CJJR and the CYPM initiative follow the link:
https://cjjr.georgetown.edu/our-work/crossover-youth-practice-model/
