Residential Care

The division operates residential care facilities across the state for young offenders who require a more structured setting than the community. Each residential program includes intensive counseling, life skills training and some type of education program.

Community-based Residential Programs

The least-restrictive residential environments in the division are group homes. Typically, about 10 youths live together in a home-like setting under 24-hour supervision. The residents in some facilities go to public schools and participate in other activities in the community on a regular basis.

Some juvenile offenders are placed in a short-term treatment program that combines traditional residential services with re-entry exercises.

While in the group home, the youths are responsible for general housekeeping, serving meals and laundry. More importantly, they are expected to participate in group, individual and family therapy sessions.

Moderately Structured Facilities

The division operates nine programs providing a moderate structure, three in state parks. These programs use the same treatment approach as group homes, but are designed for youths who need more structure and supervision. Basic education, high school equivalency (HiSET), and remedial and special education are provided on-site in division schools accredited by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Secure Care

There are seven highly structured secure care programs operated by the division in locked facilities. Secure-care residents tend to be more serious offenders, with longer offense histories or crimes against people.

An educational program is customized for each resident with basic, remedial, special and vocational education available. Each resident works within his own Individual Treatment Plan to gain basic, practical knowledge and skills that will help him cope effectively after release from the program.

Special Needs

Some young offenders have special needs because of emotional disturbance or learning disability. The division operates two programs designed to meet these special needs.