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Yellowstone
County
Youth Intake & Assessment Center County Courthouse 217 N. 27th Street Room 203 Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 254-6036 Fax: (406) 254-6041 yiac@co.yellowstone.mt.gov |
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Related Links
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The Youth Intake and Assessment Center (YIAC), as an extension of Youth Court Services and in collaboration with numerous community organizations, has become a resource and education center for youth, families, and the community. The YIAC allows for a prompt response to most juvenile issues through streamlining the process for law enforcement personnel. Immediately upon arrest, officers bring juveniles to YIAC, complete all essential paperwork, and promptly return to patrol, thereby increasing community safety. Referrals to the YIAC may also be made by other community professionals, service agencies or by parents. The YIAC makes available a full range of screening and evaluation for troubled youth, utilizing qualified Court Services and Tumbleweed staff. Assessment instruments used at the YIAC evaluate a wide variety of risk factors. These include substance use/abuse, physical health status, mental health status, family relationships, peer relations, educational status, vocational status, social skills, leisure and recreation, aggressive behavior and delinquency. Timely assessment allows for early identification and intervention for troubled youth while providing prompt and meaningful accountability for juvenile offenders. When significant needs are identified, youth are evaluated further by YIAC staff or, when appropriate, through referrals to community professionals. Assessments are provided through the YIAC at no cost to the youth or thier family. Being true to the philosophy of Balanced and Restorative Justice, a prompt and meaningful response to crime creates an environment that assures that youth learn from thier mistakes. Community safety is improved through effective supervision and guidance of juvenile offenders. They are held accountable to victims and the community, and become capable and productive citizens. Court Services staff conducts initial hearings on the charges in appropriate cases, resolving legal issues utilizing swift yet meaningful methods. Most youth are released to their parent with an appropriate disposition in the case. Citizen involvement is essential and is a key component of programs that stress responsibility and accountability through education and mentoring. |