Court-Based Intervention

Early Services Program

The Early Services Program is an informal probation program for youth ages 12 or younger who are brought to Juvenile Court due to a misdemeanor offense (shoplifting, simple assault). Caseworkers provide counseling and direction to the youth and work with the parents to ensure they have adequate parenting skills and are connected to necessary community resources.

Diversion Tracking and Monitoring

Court-Based Intervention is an informal probation program for first- or second-time misdemeanor offenders (shoplifting, simple assault) ages 12–17 who have not been adjudicated delinquent. Services include:

A youth’s case will be closed without further disposition if he/she successfully completes the program requirements.

Eligibility

Youth must be involved with Polk County Juvenile Court and referrals made by Juvenile Court Intake Officers. The program is funded through a contract with Polk County Juvenile Court.

PACE Counseling/Treatment Programs

Behavioral Health Intervention Services/ Outreach

PACE Outreach Services assist children and youth experiencing social, behavior or emotional problems in the home, at school or in the community setting.

Substance Abuse Services

Substance Abuse Services is an outpatient drug treatment program that serves males and females under age 18 who are experiencing problems at school or in the community due to substance use.

Juvenile Court School-Based Liaison

The JCSL program operates out of Greater Des Moines middle school and high schools, providing on-site supervision to youth under the jurisdiction of the court system or who are determined to be at-risk for Juvenile Court involvement

Court-Based Intervention

Court-Based Intervention is an informal probation program for misdemeanor offenders (shoplifting, simple assault)  who have not been adjudicated delinquent. The Early Services Program covers youth under age 12 while Diversion Tracking and Monitoring covers youth ages 12–17.

Saturday Sanctions

The Saturday Sanctions program provides a consequence for youth who are not complying with their formal or informal probation requirements

 

Juvenile Court School-Based Liaison

The JCSL program operates out of Des Moines middle schools and high schools, providing on-site supervision to youth under the jurisdiction of the court system or who are determined to be at-risk for Juvenile Court involvement. Youth receive:

Eligibility

Referrals are received from Juvenile Court Officers or school administrators. Services are funded through a contract with Juvenile Court and Des Moines Public Schools.

 

Behavioral Health Intervention Services/          Outreach

PACE Outreach Services assist children and youth experiencing social, behavior or emotional problems. The goal of skill-building interventions is to develop skills with caseworker assistance and alleviate behaviors and symptoms associated with a mental health diagnosis. Treatment services include:

These skills are intended to address problems displayed in the home, school and community.

Eligibility

Youth must be age 21 or younger, have Title 19 (Medicaid) and approval from Iowa Medicaid Enterprise. PACE can coordinate IME approval. There is no DHS or Juvenile Court system involvement required for services.

 

Substance Abuse Services

Substance Abuse Services is an outpatient drug treatment program that serves males and females under age 18 who are experiencing problems at school or in the community due to substance use. Youth may also be struggling in family, peer, or school environments. The treatment approach is through a co-occurring mental health perspective in group, individual and family sessions and can include:

Substance abuse assessments are also available for adults who are referred by the Department of Human Services or the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

Eligibility

Referrals can be received by Juvenile Court, DHS, Polk County Judges, and the community. Services are funded through Title XIX or private insurance. Youth are not required to have system involvement to receive services. Substance Abuse Education classes are held monthly and are available to the public for a $50.00 fee.

 

Saturday Sanctions

The Saturday Sanctions program provides a consequence for youth who are not complying with their formal or informal probation requirements. Youth can be referred anytime during their probation. They must complete a day of community service on a Saturday and pay a $20.00 fee.

Eligibility

Youth must be involved with Polk County Juvenile Court or be active in a PACE program.