MAY 1, 2025
Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice has observed a lower rate of recidivism among youth who participate in a program that connects at-risk juveniles and their families with community-based services before they go in front of a judge.
Since it was launched at all Virginia court service units in June 2022, more than 6,000 youth have participated in DJJ’s pre-court services program.
To promote early engagement, probation officers provide information about potentially helpful pre-court services and resources following intake of a petitioned complaint. The probation officer serves as a pre-court services case manager, engaging with the juvenile and family members to determine immediate needs and supports, and providing assistance with accessing services in the community as needed. Participation by youth and families is voluntary.
Youth who received pre-court services in FY 2023-2024 were shown to be less likely to have a subsequent juvenile intake within six or 12 months of the intake.
It’s believed facilitating access to information and resources results in juveniles and families feeling more supported through the juvenile justice process and contributes to a decrease in recidivism.
