c. Sheriff/funding application - Laserfiche WebLink

PROGRAM PLAN (page 3 of 3) Discuss the plan for evaluation ofthe project: Youthworks has an extensive, computerized management information system, which can provide all of the demographic, service, and outcome data needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the project. Data which will be available for analysis include: .JDemographics of youth served v'" Amounts of services provided .jTypes of service .JGeneral & Specific outcomes Measurable accomplishments will include: # families receiving, and the hours of, assessment services # families referred for supporting services and/or parenting education # of youth returning to school following suspension, hours of community service # of youth reported as truant and their attendance following referral # youth & families receiving mediation, and the hours of mediation provided # youth receiving, and the hours of, peer support, cross-age mentoring, group &lor individual counseling # families receiving, and the hours of, crisis intervention & family counseling # and types of placement interventions utilized With an extensive database in place, questions essential to the evaluation of this program can be answered. These include: "What services are most effective in diversion?", "How long must services be provided?", "What level of service seems appropriate?", "What will diversion cost?", "How effective is the program in preventing arrests?" "Is the program effective in improving behavior which results in school suspension?", "Is the program effective in assisting truants in returning to school and in improving school attendance? " and "How effective is the program at preventing longer term out-of-home placement and the termination of parental custody?" What are the plans for continuation of the project beyond the requested time period to be covered by JJDP Act funds? The Supreme Court is looking for funding for diversion in its current budget. It is uncertain when, if and how much funding will be available in this biennium. With the demise of "refinancing" dollars the local courts will have only carryover funding in 2004-05 and then they will have to rely on appropriated dollars. The court is committed to providing $50,000 at this time. We believe that the Supreme Court will fund diversion in the next biennium. Youthworks will continue to seek funding from the schools and United Way. Funding for runaway youth via the Runaway Youth Act will continue to be available for a narrow subgroup of the unruly population. A fee system for diversion services, similar to that in Clay County, has also been proposed and could be implemented to fund services on an ability to pay if the Court is unable to provide funding. Supporting services for mentoring, family counseling and peer support will continue to be available, but case-management funding must be found.