Support and Services in Detention

In detention, education, programming and workforce development services are overseen by the LEAP (Life skills, Education, and Programs) Unit and case management, medical and mental health services are overseen by the NEST (Nurture, Engage, Support, Treat) Unit:

LEAP (Life Skills, Education, and Programs)

The LEAP Unit ensures that youth receive the education, skills, and programs necessary for success. This includes:

• Developing innovative programming and services for youth and families
• Collaborating with NYC Public Schools and providing tutoring services to meet educational goals
• Partnering with CUNY to deliver credit-bearing college course in each facility
• Providing vocational and career training through workforce development partners

NEST (Nurture, Engage, Support, Treat)

The NEST Unit ensures that youth receive comprehensive and consistent medical, mental health, and case management services throughout their involvement with the juvenile justice system by:

• Ensuring youth receive high-quality mental health and medical services
• Supporting engagement between youth in custody and their loved ones and fostering productive collaboration between youth and their legal teams
• Working together with stakeholders to identify trends, track data, and implement effective interventions
• Coordinating training and staff development around specific clinical, mental health, and programmatic priorities including LGBTQ youth issues, family engagement, substance abuse, and the impact of trauma

This office plays a lead role in building and sustaining partnerships with New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York State Office of Mental Health, and with other city and state agencies to bring together resources, improve service delivery, and coordinate medical, mental health, and social services for juvenile justice-involved youth and their families.

Download the resource Juvenile Justice and Mental Health: A Guide for Families of Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth with Behavioral and Mental Health Concerns.