Common Questions about Observation and Assessment
What do youth do while at O&A?
Youth begin their day with daily hygiene, completing chores and eating breakfast. They are in school until 3:00 pm. The rest of the day, the youth are in skill building groups, recreation, community service projects and counseling.
Describe the school programs in O&A.
O&A Centers offer individualized school programs. The local school district’s Youth in Custody Program staff them. The teachers are certified and receive special training to work at O&A.
Is O&A a secure program?
Some O&A centers have locked doors while others are considered “staff secure.” Staffs try to keep youth in sight at all times.
Where do youth go after O&A?
A multi-disciplinary team makes placement recommendations. The recommendations are based on the youth's evaluation, mental health issues, family situation, specific needs, offense history, severity of offenses, community safety, restitution, and other treatment considerations. Placement options include home, wilderness, work programs, proctor placements, group homes, and secure care. Based on recommendations from O&A staff, the Judge decides a youth’s placement.
How can parents help while their child is in O&A?
Parents can help by providing information, sharing ideas, and becoming involved in their child’s evaluation.