Parenting Classes - Active Parenting of Teens is a six-session course offered to parents which encourages parents to adopt skills  needed to resolve family conflicts, reduce discipline problems, and promote confidence and self-esteem in their children. The program helps parents face their children's turbulent adolescent years with more confidence, thus producing positive results. See 'Parenting' page for current schedule.
Casework - The CJS Caseworkers are trained to assess a youth's individual problems and develop a case plan for providing the services needed to assist the family with their problems.  Together the youth, family, and CJS Caseworker work toward achieving the goals they have established, thus redirecting their lives toward a more positive future.
CJS Services
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Comprehensive Juvenile Services, Inc.
1606 South "J" Street       Fort Smith, Arkansas  72901         Phone 479-785-4031           Fax 479-785-5354

Janice K Justice  -  Executive Director
Serving youth and families in Sebastian, Crawford, Logan, Polk, Montgomery, Scott and Franklin Counties in Western Arkansas since 1977.
Emergency Shelter - CJS operates a basic center emergency shelter known as the Western Arkansas Youth Shelter (WAYS), in Cecil, Arkansas.  The service is available on a 24-hour basis for up to 60 days for youth who are at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile court system, for delinquent youth, or for runaway or homeless youth.  Together with the WAYS staff, the CJS Caseworker works with the youth and family to resolve the existing problems in order to achieve reunification of the family.  Services are provided to runaway and homeless youth through Federal funds received from the Administration for Children and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau.
Mental Health Assessments and Therapy - CJS subcontracts with licensed private and community mental health agencies to provide therapeutic intervention and counseling sessions.  These services are designed to address and treat youth and families who are experiencing oppositional behavior, depression, anxiety or emotional instability.  With each therapeutic intervention, the youth may be re-directed from further advancement into the juvenile justice system.
Residential Family Style Care - CJS subcontracts with the Girls Shelter of Fort Smith to provide longer term residential care.  Youth who are referred for this service are experiencing major behavioral problems within their home setting.  Prior to placement, each youth is assessed by a qualified mental health professional who makes recommendations for treatment.  During the placement, youth receive individual, family and group counseling, supportive services, education, and many other services with a goal of reuniting the family.
Sanctions - The CJS Sanctions Program includes community service supervision, intensive supervision and tracking, and electronic monitoring/home detention services.  This program is available to the Juvenile Court as an alternative to commitment for juvenile offenders.  Through community service supervision, CJS sanctions staff supervise youth as they complete a specified number of court-ordered hours of volunteer labor for area non-profit agencies and schools.  
The intensive supervision and tracking program offers court-ordered intensive monitoring of youth through contact with CJS staff for a specified period of time. 
The electronic monitoring/home detention program utilizes GPS technology to electronically monitor a youth's whereabouts at all times.
Aftercare/Reentry - The Aftercare/Reentry Program is specifically designed for youth who have been committed to the custody of the Division of Youth Services for delinquent offenses.  The Reentry Worker works with the youth and family during the DYS treatment placement as well as upon the youth's return to the community to ensure a smooth transition back into the home and community and to reduce the likelihood of further delinquent behavior and advancement in the juvenile justice system.
Mentoring - The Mentoring Program, Operation Positive Direction, provides adult volunteers the opportunity to experience one-on-one traditional mentoring with area youth.  The purpose of the program is to build a trusting relationship with youth (age 10 to 17) who are either at risk of entering the juvenile justice system or are non-serious offenders.  Through contact with the youth each week, the volunteer mentor will offer guidance, support and encouragement to aid the youth in striving toward a positive direction for the future.
Support Groups & Classes - A variety of classes and support groups including Girls CircleCouncil for BoysLife Skills/Independent Living, and Strengthening Families Program.