Since 2001, the Juvenile Justice Intensive Case Management Program has been working with youth between the ages of 10 and 18 who have one of the following risk factors:

   • Juvenile court involvement
   • On probation
   • At-risk of going to detention
   • Being released back to the community from juvenile detention
   • Returning to the community after a long-term commitment to the Juvenile Justice Commission
 
Referrals to the program come from Family Court Judges, Family Case Management, Probation, the Juvenile Justice Commission, attorneys, parents, and youth.

A Juvenile Case Manager is assigned to youth to connect them with school, counseling, substance abuse treatment, and employment, depending on individual needs. The goal of a Juvenile Case Manager is to provide assistance, support, and advocacy to help youth reduce the risk of violating a court order and/or being placed in juvenile detention.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a Juvenile Case Manager helps to address issues and situations as they occur. The intent is to help individuals be successful in the program and diffuse situations before they escalate.

Youth and guardians are asked to sign a customized Case Plan that outlines specific areas of need, potential barriers, and a plan that will help individuals overcome obstacles.

Though participation in the Juvenile Justice Intensive Case Management Program may be voluntary, failure to abide by the established Case Plan could result in a return to court or a violation of Probation/Parole, which may lead to incarceration.

For more information, contact a Juvenile Case Manager at 908-704-6323 or Juvenile@co.somerset.nj.us.