JUNE 10, 2025
DJJ is excited to announce we are bringing the Regional Service Coordination (RSC) model back under the DJJ roof. In 2016 DJJ contracted with two external companies to coordinate with direct service providers and establish a range of services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, known as the Regional Services Coordination Model. In 2023, as recommended in the 2021 report issued by JLARC, service coordination and assessment units were consolidated under the Deputy Director of Placement & Program Implementation. This included the primary responsibilities of regional service coordination. Since then, the Quality Assurance (QA) team has been assessing the model and improving upon the external model. For example, in fiscal year (FY) 2025, DJJ reviews of the process determined that dividing the state between two RSC agencies was impacting the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of services for our youth and families. As a result, DJJ opted to renew only the contract for Evidence Based Associates (EBA). As we approached FY 2026, it became evident we could become more impactful by returning the service coordination roles and responsibilities to DJJ. The endorsement of the Model in the recent 2025 JLARC report reinforces our decision. This allows DJJ to adapt and build on the existing model, expand upon our already robust variety of services by working directly with providers, and pay special attention to individual youth needs. This collaborative approach allows us to better meet the needs of the youth and families we serve. The guidance and instruction of EBA has been pivotal in allowing us to grow to this independence. We sincerely appreciate all the dedication and work that EBA has put into our state, agency, youths and families over the previous ten years.
Transitioning the RSC model internally will increase accountability and flexibility within the model to ensure youths and families are receiving high-quality and appropriate services. The new Regional Services Coordination Unit will work with the Community Engagement Unit and Violence Intervention Unit to monitor regional data trends in Juvenile behaviors and allow immediate service acquisition to address those trends. They will continue to work with the Quality Assurance unit for guidance on fidelity and effectiveness of the rehabilitative programming.
The Department is excited to expand upon our existing approach to accessing tailored services, with an emphasis on data driven evaluation of those services. The 2021 JLARC report stated, “the quality of program implementation is critical for positive outcomes” and that “DJJ should ensure youth receive quality programming.” The transition of the RSC model allows DJJ to assess service delivery and outcomes in real time. Court involved youth face immediate challenges and therefore need immediate, effective services.
DJJ is proud to expand upon the existing processes to continue our mission of providing and delivering the most effective services for the youth we serve.
