Juvenile Court Liaison
A direct link between youth, families, the court system, and behavioral health care — coordinating services for children and adolescents involved with Juvenile Courts and the Department of Human Resources across four counties.
Coordinating care for youth and families in the justice system
SCAMHC's Juvenile Court Liaison (JCL) primarily serves children and adolescents and their families from Butler, Crenshaw, Coffee, and Covington Counties who are involved with local Juvenile Courts and/or the Department of Human Resources and who need mental illness, intellectual disability, and/or substance abuse services. JCL staff are actively involved with identified youth throughout the full court and commitment process — from intake and evaluation through service planning, provision of care, and follow-up. JCLs are required to be actively involved in all petitions for involuntary commitment of juveniles to ADMH, including prior to the hearing, during commitment hearings, throughout the commitment, and during the discharge process.
- Serves youth age 20 and younger involved with Juvenile Courts or the Department of Human Resources
- Active coordination with courts, DHR, and ADMH throughout all proceedings — including involuntary commitment petitions
- Coordinates with the County Children's Services Facilitation Team and DMH state and regional representatives
- Goal: divert at least 75% of youth from commitment to the Department of Youth Services within one year from onset of services
Full-spectrum coordination for youth and families
Intake, Evaluation & Screening
Comprehensive intake evaluation and screening for youth referred through juvenile courts or DHR to determine mental health, substance use, or intellectual disability needs.
Individual, Group & Family Counseling
Individual, group, and family counseling provided as part of a coordinated, person-centered treatment plan developed with the youth and their family.
Crisis Intervention & Resolution
Immediate crisis management and Behavioral Health Placement Assessment for youth in acute distress, including after-hours emergency response.
Court & Commitment Coordination
Active involvement in all court proceedings, involuntary commitment petitions, and coordination with ADMH during the commitment and discharge process.
Case Management & Care Coordination
Mental Health Care Coordination, case management, and liaison with the County Children's Services Facilitation Team and DMH state and regional representatives.
Psychoeducation, Nursing & Medication Services
Psychoeducational services and family support, nursing care and assessment, medication monitoring, medication administration, and treatment plan review.
Admission criteria for Juvenile Court Liaison services
The JCL primarily serves youth ages 20 and younger from Butler, Crenshaw, Coffee, and Covington Counties who are involved with local Juvenile Courts and/or the Department of Human Resources and who have mental health, intellectual disability, or substance abuse needs.
- Meets criteria for Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED) or diagnosed with a DSM mental illness/disorder
- Age 20 or younger; does not otherwise meet criteria for transitional age services
- In a crisis situation requiring immediate crisis management
- Discharged from an inpatient psychiatric hospital
- Youth who do not meet admission criteria will be referred to private resources or other social service agencies that better meet their needs
Serving Juvenile Courts Monday through Friday
Juvenile Court Liaison services are delivered Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hours services may be provided based on local court needs and with the permission of the Executive Director. Emergency services are available after hours, on holidays, and on weekends. The JCL serves Juvenile Courts and DHR in Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, and Coffee Counties.
