When Marissa Woodmansee attended a recent conference, she not only learned that Juvenile Services is “hitting all the marks” when it comes to meeting national standards, she also served on a panel that focused on a local program.
As Juvenile Services (JS) executive director, Woodmansee participated in the American Probation & Parole Association’s (APPA’s) gathering in Chicago. The Council of State Governments selected her to represent rural areas involved in the Stepping Up for Youth Initiative.
“The major highlight for me was a workshop that zeroed in on national standards for juvenile-justice agencies,” Woodmansee said. “I knew we were doing a great job but it’s gratifying to have it validated.”
National-standards categories include: sentencing/releasing supervision practices; transitioning to the community/pre-release; engagement and relationship building; case planning; and interventions and influencing behavior.
“We now know we are aligned with two respected national organizations,” Woodmansee commented, referring to APPA and the Criminal Justice Institute. “Nevertheless, this also encourages us to keep moving the needle as we consistently evaluate everything we do.
“We always ask ourselves if there is more that we can do to support young people.”
She also noted that standards provide an evidence-based framework to improve outcomes and enhance public safety.
Panel discussion
Woodmansee’s panel discussion concentrated on the local Stepping Up program in rural areas, while Johnson County represented the urban viewpoint.
“We got involved in the early stages of this program because of the local success of the Stepping Up for Adults Initiative. A lot of great work went into the adult initiative, with one result being a jail-liaison program to help inmates transition after release.
“Also, we always consider community safety and wanted to work with youth and their families when behavioral health is an issue.”
Woodmansee complimented the Stepping Up committee, which meets monthly. “They understand the scope of our work, and are engaged and committed to finding new ways to support our youth.
“When professionals in a variety of fields come together, it would be naïve to believe that everyone would agree on everything,” she added. “However, we work through our different perspectives by being respectful and realizing that we can learn from varying viewpoints.”
Sarah Schenek
Woodmansee, who was allowed to invite a committee member to the conference, acknowledged it was a tough decision because of all the talent available. She ultimately chose Sarah Schenek, licensed clinical professional counselor at Willow Tree Therapy Services in Great Bend.
“Sarah started on the ground floor with us and has been an active participant ever since,” Woodmansee explained. “Her background in behavioral health and other disciplines is a great asset to us.”
Schenek became involved in June of last year, a short time after the kick-off for the pilot program.
“I have been in the social-services field for close to two decades,” she noted. “Working with victims, offenders and children has been rewarding and challenging at the same time.
“It is crucial to intervene early with young people exhibiting behavioral- and mental-health concerns. We may be able to de-escalate the problem and help a teenager stay out of detention.”
Schenek emphasized that she and her colleagues don’t just work with young people. “We are helping their families too. A child won’t automatically get better; family support is crucial. The goal is to make our community a better, safer and more understanding place. Part of achieving this goal is to continue to reduce the stigma of asking for help.”
The therapist also noted that Woodmansee has been the backbone of the Stepping Up project.
“Marissa’s passion, drive and discipline have pushed us forward,” she commented. “If she wasn’t constantly seeking ways to help young people, we might not be as far along as we are.
“Other committee members also have hearts for helping kids. They continue to actively participate in our monthly meetings. I have been on committees where that doesn’t happen.”
Schenek also expressed her gratitude for being asked to attend the conference. “I was glad to go because I want to be a voice for helping local youth, as well as those in other counties and throughout the state. I am grateful that I was able to discover what is possible.”
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.