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Youth Services Department
Department Description
All procedures for violators of the law under the age of eighteen (18) are implemented through the Youth Services department. A close working relationship exists between Youth Services, the county Prosecutor and the court system to determine at which level of probation (formal, informal or diversion) a youth will be placed. Probation officers monitor the youth to ensure compliance with the terms of probation ordered by the court or the conditions agreed upon in the diversion contract between first time offenders and the Youth Accountability Board. Youth Services reports to the County Commissioners, but is also directly responsible to the judiciary. Program development and early intervention are used to accomplish the goal of helping the youth in the community and preventing the escalation of criminal behavior. Secure detention is used as a consequence for the most serious offenders. The Resource Officer coordinates community service, monitors home detention and directs skills groups. Latah County Youth Services has contracted with the Department of Health and Welfare to provide foster home recruitment, licensing and re-certification for the five counties in Region II.