Georgetown County Implements New South Carolina Juvenile Justice Model

March 10, 2011

Georgetown County Implements New South Carolina Juvenile Justice Model

Two prominent South Carolina criminal justice officials, Bill Byars, the new head of the S.C. Department of Corrections and former Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) director, and State Law Enforcement Division Director Reggie Lloyd, recently called for the state to make better use of the full range of government resources in cases involving young people accused of juvenile crimes. If key players such as DJJ Circuit Solicitors and social workers cooperate and share information, they can better understand the full range of influences in a child's life.

Three counties in South Carolina, including Georgetown County, are currently implementing a model developed by the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform that will document progress and establish best practices for collaboration between the DJJ and the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The Crossover Youth Practice Model was designed to help jurisdictions achieve better outcomes for minors who are involved in both the child welfare system and the juvenile justice process.

The model defines crossover youth as those who have experienced maltreatment at home and have been found delinquent. By ensuring the engagement of family members and promoting fair treatment of all parties involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, the following results are expected:
-Reducing the number of minors in foster care who face juvenile crimes charges
-Reducing child welfare placements from the juvenile justice system
-Increasing family satisfaction with final outcomes

The model targets everything from the arrest and detention processes to case supervision and transition of youth following case closure. Stressing the importance of parental involvement, the model also emphasizes the important role of the South Carolina defense attorney who represents the alleged offender.

Juvenile Criminal Defense: From Juvenile Arbitration to Fighting Felony Charges

Children from every community and background sometimes end up facing the serious consequences of a juvenile prosecution -- or even trial as an adult if they are 14 years or older and charged with a major felony such as armed robbery, aggravated assault or certain sex offenses. For parents who suddenly face this troubling reality, an in-depth consultation with a South Carolina juvenile crimes lawyer can provide a great deal of insight.

A felony arrest record can have a harsh effect on a child's record, as well as future employment and educational opportunities. But even seemingly minor incidents such as shoplifting or vandalism, curfew violations, and student drug and alcohol charges deserve the attention of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Parents should quickly engage every opportunity to protect a child's best interests, including the many programs and services in Horry County and Georgetown County that provide constructive, community-based solutions following a brush with law enforcement and the juvenile justice system.

Article provided by Monckton Law Firm, P.A.
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