(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series of articles about this region’s juvenile service programs.)

Juvenile Services Director Laurie White recently presented an overview report for the Barton County Commission, dealing with issues involving the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services as it opperates in its five-county area, consisting of Barton, Stafford, Ellsworth, Rice and Russell Counties.
In it, in part, White reported:
The Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority came into existence in July 1997.
It transferred the powers, duties, and functions of SRS concerning Juvenile Offenders into its jurisdiction at that time.
Its Mission is to: “Promote public safety, hold juvenile offenders accountable for their behavior, and improve the ability of youth to live productively and responsibly in their communities.”
Community case management was designed to supervise and guide the cases of youth placed in the custody of JJA for suitable placement out of the home.
The case managers are responsible for assessing needed services.
The ultimate goal of the case manager is to increase protective factors in a way that returns the child to a more productive home/community life and assists them in their endeavor to gain the skills necessary to achieve their personal lifelong goals.
Juvenile Services also hosts a very effective intervention program called Project S.T.A.Y. (School Truancy Alternative for Youth) since July 1998.
Youth are either court ordered to participate or can be referred by schools, parents, or other local providers on a voluntary basis.
This program is open to youth age 6-18 who resides within the 20th Judicial District and who meet the statutory criteria for truancy.