2006 Crossroads (CR) Fact Sheet

Crossroads
Program Fact Sheet

Bureau of Youth Services &Delinquency Prevention
Division of Community Health & Prevention
Illinois Department of Human Services

Program Description

Target

The Crossroads program provides services to intervene in the lives of youth ages 10 to 17 who have engaged in risk-taking behaviors (gang involvement, violence, drug use, chronic truancy combined with other risky behaviors) but have not yet been arrested.

Purpose

Services are intended to effect a positive change that will redirect the young person away from risk-taking behavior, allow him/her to avoid interaction with juvenile justice system and assist him or her down the path to a healthly, productive life.

Services

Agencies identify key domains requiring attention in the youth's life; develop a case plan; provide services and/or make referrals as necessary to meet his/her needs; record the results; and track the case. Services are provided in close coordination with other services agencies in the community, in order to effect comprehensive service delivery and best meet the individual needs of each youth.

Delivery Method

Funds are granted to community-based agencies in all areas of the state. Youth are referred to Crossroads from other community entities (such as schools, families, churches and/or other service providers) and assessed using the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI). Youth eligible for services are those assured as medium to high-risk on the YASI.

Program Data

Program Effectiveness

During the provision of services, youth were actively pursuing educational goals or if not enrolled in school they were actively pursuing employment or gainfully employed. The youth showed a reduction in symptoms as measured on the Child Functional Assessment Rating Scale (CFARS).