Comprehensive Treatment Policy (CTM) for Youth in the Legal System
There has been many national, state, and local policies and laws that were changed or added that has affected law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is tasked with providing treatment for youth who are committed and have been adjudicated for a variety of crimes and violations. Treating this population of young offenders who are predominantly males as well as black is a very difficult task. Trauma is deeply imbedded in the lives of these young people who range from the ages and 12 and 18. Baltimore city has been identified as a “city in crisis” by local and national news outlets. Baltimore is also known as “Charm City” which contradicts its long-standing reputation, houses youth in detention centers, youth centers, residential treatment placements, group homes and more. The Comprehensive Treatment Model (CTM) has been uniquely developed to support the individualized needs of the children in the legal system to provide clinical care to youth and their families. The CTM policy provides a framework of treatment in facilities and aftercare in the community. This thorough framework uses evidence-based practices that could improve the outcomes for youth and families if used correctly. Providing services that are evidence based and outcome driven is important to serve and keep safe communities that experience high crime and high school dropout rates. The CTM policy is not a stand-alone solution to youth crime in Maryland. Careful planning of roll out, implementation and follow up is crucial in ensuring success in such programs that provide effective services for youth and families.
The Comprehensive Treatment Policy or Model (CTM) follow detailed guidelines pulled from nationwide research addressing needs of individuals in the legal system. The treatment model uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is the therapeutical framework used in the CTM policy. DBT is an evidence-based, cognitive behavioral intervention that helps individuals learn how to better manage negative emotions, reduce impulsive and other negative behaviors, improve relationships, and improve the quality of their lives. This trauma informed care is an approach that takes in to account past trauma and how it shapes fundamental beliefs about the world and affects behavior. Youth receive weekly therapy session with licensed clinician, biweekly family therapy sessions, weekly group sessions with peers, and planned events and activities while in treatment.
Young black males are more so affected due to the lack of adequate services in the past for offenders entering in the legal system. Black youth and families now receive services to address their emotional needs that stem from trauma in the community. Baltimore city is predominately black. Youth centers further out away from the community could use some diversity or diversity training to increase opportunity for program success. The challenge is making sure services are adequate and of quality as youth are housed further away from their perspective communities and neighborhoods.
I am so excited at this restorative approach that seeks to reform and resocialize black youth. This tender developmental stage in life should not destroy and eliminate the future of our youth. History has shown and proven the legal system to be predatory and unfair when it comes to black people. Youth centers and facilities have been warehousing young people and consistently pushing them further into the legal system with no means of restoration. These youth are our future, and we must invest and take on the responsibility and helping them to heal from historical barriers that send them school to prison. Policies such as CTM, is a start the right direction and when coupled with other resources and programs, aligns youth to a more promising future.
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