FWSN-advisorybd-repo.. - The Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance

‣ Current Services for Court Involved Children:
In addition to the services listed for pre-adjudicated youth, there are two additional
services available once a child has become court involved:
• FWSN Centers
CSSD is reallocating 12 existing Alternative to Detention beds (ADPs) to serve the
FWSN population. ADPs were originally designed to serve the low risk FWSN and
delinquent children, who were sent to these staff secure residential programs as a
community-based alternative to secure detention.
Currently, through a contract with a private provider, the St. Francis Home, CSSD has
established a six bed FWSN Center for girls in New Haven. CSSD and the potential
providers have experienced issues related to selection of and zoning approval for a
physical location for the boy’s FWSN Center by the community. A new bid process was
necessary for the boys FWSN Center, as a site could not be secured within the existing
Boys ADP contract.
The FWSN Center is designed to provide a gender-specific, cognitive behavioral
approach that focuses on the child and family’s strengths to encourage skill development
and positive change. The focus is on the development of core life and interpersonal skills
necessary for success at home, with peers, at school and in the community.
The FWSN Center is designed to offer the following services:
• 24 hour, 7 days per week staffing to provide a safe and secure program;
• On-site schooling with certified teachers;
• On-site licensed mental health clinician and psychiatrist to provide mental health
assessment, treatment and transition planning, and psychotropic medication
management;
• On-site case managers to assist the child and family, along with the mental health
staff, in assessing strengths and needs, developing an individualized care plan;
assisting with the transition to after-care services, and providing individual
counseling, cognitive-behavioral groups, family mediation, support services and
collaboration with service providers;
• Access to medical services;
• Access to an ombudsman;
• On-site recreational services and activities; and
• Opportunities for community service.
Since it is anticipated FWSN Center beds will turn over at least every 45 days, each
center can serve approximately 50 children per year.
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