Juvenile Justice Literature Review Highlights Evidence-Based Practices Across Texas Youth Sequential Intercept Model

Following the success of Adult Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) workshops across Texas, a need has emerged for a similar youth-specific planning tool to assist communities in reducing juvenile justice and child welfare system involvement for youth with ongoing mental and behavioral health needs. 

This report provides an overview of the development of the Texas Youth Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) and provides evidence-based best practices and foundational definitions for each of the five intercepts. Communities can use this report to enhance their diversion efforts by reviewing Texas and national program examples of intercept-specific diversion and intervention efforts.  

In addition to aligning the Blueprint for Change Critical Intervention model and the Adult SIM, the Texas Youth SIM includes Intercept 0, focusing on community-level services and interventions with the unique addition of schools as an essential resource and opportunity for intervention. 

“This literature review reflects the Texas Behavioral Health and Justice Technical Assistance Center’s continued commitment to examining the needs of youth with mental illness, SUD, and IDD who are at risk for or involved with the juvenile justice system,” Dr. Jennie M. Simpson, Associate Commissioner and State Forensic Director for Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said. “It’s important to prevent or reduce these early interactions with the system, especially when alternatives like treatment are available and appropriate.” 

Click here to access the literature review.