[§352-23.5]  Gender-responsive,community-based programs for female adjudicated youth.  Subject to fundingby the legislature, the office of youth services shall develop and makeavailable gender-responsive, community-based programs for female adjudicatedyouth by providing female adjudicated youth the appropriate range ofopportunities to ensure that their needs are met.  Program models designed toaddress the needs of female adjudicated youth shall include but are not limitedto:

(1)  Appropriate treatment, including mental healthand substance abuse treatment;

(2)  Individualized case management to help femalejuvenile offenders set and achieve goals;

(3)  Life skills development workshops, includingbudgeting, money management, nutrition, and exercise;

(4)  Development of self-determination througheducation; employment training; special education for the learning disabled;and social, cognitive, communication, and life skills training;

(5)  Family-focused programming, including issuesrelating to pregnancy and single parenthood;

(6)  Peer support and the development of peernetworks;

(7)  Transitional support for female adjudicated youthand their families to promote successful reentry into their families, schools,and communities;

(8)  Highly skilled staff experienced in working withfemale adjudicated youth and their concerns;

(9)  Formal recognition of participant achievement;

(10)  Ongoing attention to building community-basedsupport;

(11)  Assistance for female adjudicated youth who needto develop a marketable job skill and a career plan;

(12)  Geographical proximity to children and family;

(13)  Preparation of female adjudicated youth for theresumption of their education; and

(14)  The goal of providing a gender-responsivecontinuum of care. [L 2006, c 258, §3]

 

Cross References

 

  Parity for female offenders, see chapter 367D.