63D-13.002. Assessment of Youth

The assessment of youth is a critical component of the case management system. The information gathered in this process is obtained through a detention screening, intake screening, initial mental health and substance abuse needs screening, comprehensive assessment, and comprehensive evaluation of the youth. Assessment information forms the foundation for recommendations to the court regarding a youth’s treatment plan and allows the department to provide the most appropriate services in the least intrusive manner.

(1) While the needs, strengths and history of the individual youth will determine the how, what, when and where of assessment, the process typically tracks the following sequence:

(a) Detention screening is completed following the arrest and delivery of the youth to the department. The critical component of detention screening is the Detention Screening Instrument (DSI). The DSI is used to determine if a youth should be placed in detention care prior to a detention hearing.

(b) When a youth is delivered to the department for detention screening, the screener shall also conduct an initial mental health and substance abuse screening. This screening is initiated through a process which includes administration of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument – 2 (MAYSI-2), and administration of the Suicide Risk Screening Instrument (SRSI), a form that documents the standardized questions asked by trained, designated staff upon a youth’s intake into the juvenile justice system, and upon admission to a detention center, to identify suicide risk factors and the need for referral for assessment of suicide risk as well as a review of any other documentation of suicide risk factors that are available at the time of screening.

(c) The results of the initial mental health and substance abuse screening may require a referral for a more detailed assessment called a comprehensive assessment. This assessment is the gathering of information used to assess for biological, psychological and social factors as they relate to the youth’s need for rehabilitative and treatment services, including substance abuse treatment services, literacy services, medical services, family services, and other specialized services, as appropriate. 

(d) After determining whether the youth being delivered to the department meets detention criteria, and after the initial mental health and substance abuse screening is completed, the intake process is initiated. The intake process is an analysis of the facts that resulted in the youth being delivered to the department. A summary of those facts will be included in the State Attorney Recommendation (SAR) and the Pre/Post-Disposition Report (PDR). The former is the tool used to inform the state attorney what the department’s suggestion is as to how to proceed with the case. The latter is a resource used by the court to determine a disposition for the youth’s case once he or she enters a plea or is found guilty of an offense.

(e) For youth whom a residential commitment disposition is anticipated, a detailed assessment called a comprehensive evaluation will be required. The comprehensive evaluation includes the gathering of information which addresses physical health, mental health, substance abuse, academic, educational, or vocational problems of a youth for whom a residential commitment disposition is anticipated, which is summarized in the youth’s PDR.

(2) While other specialized instruments may be used to assess the unique treatment needs of a youth, the evaluative processes described above comprise the core functions for supporting informed decision-making about the youth within the department’s probation program.

Rulemaking Authority 985.64, 985.601 FS. Law Implemented 985.14, 985.145 FS. History–New 5-4-20.