Program Description

Crossroads, Summit County, Ohio

Overview

Crossroads was originally established in 1999 as a drug court, and began mental health treatment integration in February of 2003. Collaboration between involved agencies has been a strong component of the court from its inception. Collaboration efforts included the formation of a 40-member advisory board that was involved in planning and conceptualization of the court. Crossroads is funded through private health insurance, Medicaid, Reclaim Ohio grant funds, State ‘Fast’ 05 funds for Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment (ICT), and court fees. Some services are also covered by other involved agencies. Crossroads serves all youth ages 12 to 17 years of age residing in Summit County who have a major affective disorder, severe post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotic disorders, or who have co-occurring substance use disorders. Youth whose only mental health diagnosis is conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or ADHD are excluded along with youth who qualify for developmental disability services. In addition, the court excludes youth with very serious felonies and youth with previous convictions or current charges for drug trafficking and youth with gang involvement. Referrals are made to the court post-adjudication. However, if youth successfully complete the program, their admitting charge and any related probation violations are expunged from the youth’s record. Crossroads currently has 75 enrolled youth, and serves approximately 70 youth per year. Youth remain in Crossroads for a minimum of one year.

Youth are assessed with the court psychologist’s Structured Pediatric Psychosocial Interview, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children – Voice Version, Ohio Scales, and the Global Risk Assessment Device (GRAD). The court typically relies on the diagnoses provided by community providers. Community substance abuse and mental health providers use numerous assessment instruments to make their diagnoses. Mental health assessment and treatment is available primarily through Child Guidance and Family Solutions (community provider). However, youth and their families have the option of choosing any community treatment provider. Some Crossroads participants receive Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment (ICT), which is a pilot project characterized by very intensive in-home treatment that is administered over the course of 3 to 4 months. Each counselor carries a very small caseload, typically three to four youth at a time. Those deemed by the Court’s suitability committee or treatment team to be most in need of home-based services are referred to the ICT supervisor for consideration and eligibility for ICT services. Crossroads probation officers serve as case managers and are responsible for community supervision of participating youth.

Because the court is post-adjudication, it is able to impose sanctions (electronic monitoring, loss/lessening of curfew, suspension of driver’s license, residential mental health treatment, or detention time) on both the youth and parents in the event of noncompliance. However, the court emphasizes the use of incentives to encourage compliance.

Program Contact

Crossroads
Dawn R. Jones, Crossroads Administrator
650 Dan Street
Akron, OH 44310
Phone: 330-643-2910