Youth Justice Services
Juvenile court intake workers provide services to the court, youth, and families in which the youth has committed an act which is against the law or is alleged to be a juvenile in need of protection and services as governed by WI State Statute Chapter 938, the Juvenile Justice Code. Wisconsin's State Statute 938, Juvenile Justice Code Any criminal referral must be received through law enforcement. However, schools and parents can request services for a youth alleged to be in need of protection or services, which can be ordered by the court under WI State Statute 938.13.
Each referral is reviewed by the Youth Justice Social Worker, Child Welfare Manager and the District Attorney. If a decision is made to hold an Intake Inquiry, the following recommendation options are available:
- Counsel
- Deferred Prosecution Agreement
- Referral to the District Attorney recommending formal supervision
Lincoln County Department Social Services uses Evidenced Based Practices in its delivery of services including, State Wide Risk Assessment tool YASI, Motivational Interviewing, Carey Guides, and Change Journaling. Youth Justice workers use risk levels to determine appropriate levels of supervision and services. LCDSS believes that youth make the greatest changes in their homes and that community risk can be reduced through the use of best practice tools and engaging the whole family unit in services. Youth Justice workers use restorative justice practices to hold the offender accountable and allow the victim to be part of the solution. Intensive supervision, home detention, restitution, employment skills and community service programs assist offenders in making right any harm they may have done to individuals, neighborhoods, schools and the community
