Youth Justice Services
Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services’ youth justice program is grounded in the belief that young people have the potential for change, and our system can offer the necessary resources to foster their growth and development. By promoting accountability, emphasizing skill-building, and addressing developmental needs, our program aims to tackle identified behaviors while also supporting the overall well-being of youth. We understand that adolescence is a critical time for intervention and growth and family and community involvement is essential.
Juvenile Court Intake Services
Juvenile Court Intake is the entry point to the Youth Justice system for all Wisconsin youth under the age of 17 and is guided by the Wisconsin Juvenile Justice Code.
Intake Inquiry:
An "intake process" involves collecting information from the referred youth and their family to conduct an assessment. This assessment helps determine their eligibility for programs and resources and guides the appropriate course of action, which may include case closure, voluntary participation in services, or filing a formal petition.
What to Expect:
Step One: Referral. Youth Justice Intake reviews referrals for delinquency offenses, juveniles needing protection and services (JIPS), and truancy issues to decide the best course of action.
STEP TWO: Assessment. This step involves accessing information from the referral source and completing paperwork to request past records to gain information about the youth’s functioning at home, in school, and in the community.
STEP THREE: Screening Tools. The Youth Assessment Screening Instrument is utilized, along with records review and interviews with the youth and family, to aid in decision-making.
STEP FOUR: Legal Review. The intake recommendation is provided to the Corporation Counsel’s Office for JIPS matters and to the District Attorney’s Office for delinquency matters. Each office has 20 days to review the recommendation and make a final decision.
STEP FIVE: Decision/Recommendations. Depending on the level of need, along with legal guidance, the referral will be closed, receive informal services with the intake worker, or be transferred to an Ongoing worker for formal court intervention.
Youth Justice Ongoing Services
Ongoing workers serve youth who are formally petitioned to juvenile court, focusing on prosocial skill development and recidivism reduction. In collaboration with the youth and family, Ongoing workers create personalized case plans using the YASI Assessment and Collaborative Caseworks Model. By coordinating with families, schools, and community resources, Ongoing workers help foster a cooperative approach that emphasizes accountability and development. They also provide ongoing support, advocacy, and access to services in a trauma-informed manner, aiming to keep youth safely in the community with family and natural supports.