Detention Reform for Girls in Clark County, NV

1
Detention Reform for Girls in Clark County, NV

• Nikki McKinnon
• Juvenile Probation Officer/Girls Expediter

2
Research

• Conducted by Francine Sherman June 2007.

3
Results

• In 2006, approximately 11 detention bed days each
  day were for girls with prostitution related
  charges. Sexually exploited girls comprise a
  significant portion of girls detained with the
  agreement that this is neither appropriate nor
  helpful for these girls.

4
Results

• Girls comprise 43 of detentions for Domestic
  Battery. Large segment of detained girls score
  14 or lower but are detained for warrants.

5
Results

• Relatively few girls detained due to high RAI
  scores.

6
Results

• Girls Court is an innovation in Clark County, but
  does not have clear goals or programming and has
  not been evaluated.

7
Action Taken

• Implement warrant practices to reduce detention
  for youth who do not pose a risk of offense or
  flight.
• Two DAs screen cases for Probation Intake and
  Booking.

8
Action Taken

• Develop Mental Health Unit within Probation
• Youth detained on second Battery DV can be
  released to parent with counseling services in
  place. Case is managed by a therapist in
  Probation.

9
Action Taken

• Establish Girls Initiative Committee
• Broad Spectrum of Stakeholders
• Subcommittees
• Conditions of Confinement
• Sexually Exploited Youth
• Continuum of Community Services

10
Action Taken

• Hire JPO to serve as case expediter
• Case planning for Vice Girls
• Coordinate group home or mental health placements
• Assist other POs with case processing

11
Action Taken

• Sexually Exploited Youth
• Agreement between agencies for Eight Day Plea
• Wednesday Court for Girls
• Communication with Metro Vice
• Case plan
• Community Resources
• Networking

12
Where are we now?
Overall trend of minus 17 in ALOS for girls in
DJJS.
13
Where are we now?
Overall trend of minus 9 in ADP for girls in
DJJS.