Developing a Dispositional Plan for Gina

As the juvenile court judge, I find Gina guilty of aggravated robbery based on her admission. Given her age, lack of prior record, influence of substances, truancy, challenging home environment, poor assessments, and pregnancy, a disposition focused on rehabilitation and community safety is paramount. I will impose the following:

• Probation with Intensive Supervision: Gina will be placed on probation with strict conditions, including regular meetings with a probation officer (at least twice weekly initially), frequent and random drug and alcohol testing, adherence to a strict curfew, and mandatory school attendance or enrollment in a GED program.
• Community-Based Substance Abuse Treatment: Gina will be required to attend intensive outpatient substance abuse counseling and support group meetings tailored for adolescents and pregnant individuals.
• Mental Health Assessment and Counseling: A comprehensive mental health evaluation will be conducted, and Gina will participate in individual and potentially group therapy to address any underlying emotional or psychological issues contributing to her behavior.
• Parenting and Life Skills Program: Gina will be mandated to attend a program focused on prenatal care, parenting skills, and basic life skills, preparing her for the responsibilities of motherhood and independent living. Her mother will be encouraged to participate in relevant sessions.
• Educational Support and Tutoring: Given Gina’s poor educational assessments and truancy, she will be provided with tutoring and support services to help her catch up academically and obtain her high school diploma or GED.
• Restorative Justice Practices: Gina will participate in restorative justice sessions, if appropriate and feasible, to understand the impact of her actions on the victim and the community and to make amends.
• No Contact Order: Gina will have a strict no-contact order with her boyfriend and the other accomplice involved in the robbery.
• Judicial Review Hearings: Regular judicial review hearings will be held to monitor Gina’s progress, compliance with the conditions of her probation, and the well-being of her pregnancy.

Responses to Prompts:

• Summarize the outcome of the adjudication process and the dispositional options available in your selected case. Gina admitted guilt to aggravated robbery. Dispositional options available include probation, community-based programs (counseling, education, etc.), residential placement, detention, fines, restitution, and various combinations thereof tailored to her specific needs and risks.

• Describe the risk factors that affected the disposition in your case. Key risk factors include Gina’s substance abuse at the time of the offense, habitual truancy, negative peer influence (her boyfriend and accomplice), lack of adequate parental supervision, poor educational and social functioning, and her current pregnancy, which adds complexity and urgency to her rehabilitation.

• Summarize the evidence-based research regarding what works in the treatment of juvenile offenders. Evidence-based research emphasizes interventions that are cognitive-behavioral, multi-systemic, and focused on addressing criminogenic needs. ¹ Effective programs often involve family support, skill-building (social, coping, problem-solving), substance abuse treatment, and educational/vocational support, delivered with fidelity and intensity.  

  1. Risk-need-responsivity model for offender assessment and rehabilitation 2007-06

  

  www.publicsafety.gc.ca

• Based upon the evidence of what works, recommend 2 correctional strategies for this juvenile that are available in your state. Include 1 that is an alternative to incarceration in a community correctional program, and 1 that is an institutional correctional option. Community Alternative: Intensive Probation with wrap-around services. This model combines close supervision with tailored community-based services like substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, parenting classes, and educational support, addressing multiple risk factors in her environment. Institutional Option (Contingency): If Gina fails to comply with community-based sanctions or poses a significant risk, a short-term placement in a specialized residential treatment facility for adolescent females with substance abuse issues and/or those who are pregnant. This provides a structured environment with intensive therapeutic interventions.

• Explain which of the 4 case management components of juvenile aftercare and parole would be best suited for your case. Service Brokerage would be the most crucial component for Gina’s aftercare. Given her complex needs (substance abuse, mental health, parenting, education), a case manager acting as a broker can effectively connect her with the necessary community-based resources and support systems to ensure a smooth transition and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. This coordinated approach is vital for her long-term success.