The Community Programs Division is responsible for court and community-based services to youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system in 30 of the 32 judicial districts across the Commonwealth. The Division provides a continuum of community-based interventions to youth and families through various partnerships with localities, non-profits and private entities.
Court Service Units are locally or state-operated entities that provide services to the juvenile and domestic relations court, including intake, investigations and reports, probation, parole, case management, and other related services in the community.
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Juvenile Intake – Intake services are provided 24 hours a day at every CSU. The intake officer has the authority to receive, review, and process complaints. Based on the information gathered, the officer determines whether a petition should be filed with the juvenile court and, if so, whether the juvenile should be released to the parents or detained pending a court hearing.
Investigations and Reports – Social histories make up the majority of the reports that CSU personnel complete. Social histories describe the social adjustment of the youth before the court and provide timely, relevant, and accurate data. This helps the court determine what will happen to the youth, and the most appropriate services for the juvenile and the family.
Domestic Relations – In addition to handling complaints about youth, CSUs provide services for domestic relations complaints, which can include non-support, family abuse, adjudication of custody (permanent and temporary), abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, visitation rights, paternity, and emancipation.
Custody Investigations – While most custody investigations are performed by the local Department of Social Services staff, some CSUs also perform investigations to provide recommendations to the court on parental custody and visitation based on the best interests of the youth and defined criteria in the Virginia Code.
Probation – The most common consequence for a juvenile who has been found guilty of a charge is probation supervision. DJJ’s probation officers constantly strive to achieve a "balanced approach," focusing on the principles of community protection (public safety), accountability, and competency development.
Parole Services – After they are released from Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center or private placement, youth offenders are provided parole services to help them transition back to the community. Parole officers provide case management services, arrange for appropriate transitional services, and monitor the offender's adjustment to the community. Juveniles may receive family and individual counseling, referral to other community services, vocational services, or specialized educational services.
Court service unit staff have access to a variety of contracted services including assessments and evaluations, individual therapy, family therapy, substance abuse treatment, therapy for youth with sexualized behaviors, and life skills coaching. CSUs access these services through DJJ's contracted regional service coordinators. Please check your local CSU's page for a link to a directory of local services.
