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The CST provides confidential mental health services, advocacy, and case management to young people and their families who are impacted by the criminal and/or juvenile justice systems. SMART Team has developed a specialized model of in-home therapy for proven-risk youth. CST clinicians are master’s-level social workers, and our bachelor-level mentors help youth and families navigate complex systems. They engage justice-involved youth within neighborhoods where violence and crime is prevalent. They provide evidence-based, trauma-informed, mental health treatment in the places where youth can be reached: their homes, schools, detention centers, DYS facilities, jails, and prisons. The work of the CST’s staff of mental health professionals is informed by the latest research on trauma intervention. SMART Team interventions disrupt the pattern of social isolation and encourage healthy behaviors among proven-risk youth.
At a Glance
This service is for
Focus: The Clinical Services Team’s (CST) comprehensive services, expertise, networks, knowledge of how to navigate the justice system, and willingness to tackle the toughest cases have transformed the lives of many proven-risk youth.
Age: 13-21
Gender: male, female, transgender, non-conforming
Capacity: Our referrals come from the Department of Youth Services, probation, parole, Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, and parents.
Accessing this service
The Clinical Services Team accepts MBHP.
Let's Connect
Jenese Brownhill, LICSW
Program Director
555 Amory Street
Boston, MA 02130
Boston, MA 02130
(508) 479-1573
jbrownhill@jri.org
Our Model
The CST provides confidential mental health services, advocacy, and case management to young people and their families who are impacted by the criminal and or juvenile justice systems. SMART Team has developed a specialized model of in-home therapy for proven-risk youth. CST clinicians are master’s level-social workers, and our bachelor-level mentors help youth and families navigate complex systems. They engage justice-involved youth within neighborhoods where violence and crime are prevalent. They provide evidence-based trauma-informed, mental health treatment in the places where youth can be reached: their homes, schools, detention centers, DYS facilities, jails, and prisons. The work of the CST’s staff of mental health professionals is informed by the latest research on trauma intervention. SMART Team interventions disrupt the pattern of social isolation and encourage healthy behaviors among proven-risk youth. CST’s clinicians and mentors offers non-traditional, flexible mental health services including clinical case management, individual and family counseling, and therapeutic mentoring. Clinicians incorporate numerous approaches to inform treatment and support youth and families, including the principles of Positive Youth Development, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, and other modalities to achieve a safe, supportive environment for youth.
Effective interventions
The CST’s services to proven-risk youth can be a dramatically effective social investment. Their clinical approach mitigates the effects of trauma by rebuilding trust and relationships with family and community. This provides an opportunity for court-involved, homeless, and traumatized youth to change behavior, complete their education, and find and maintain a job. Our approach enables youth to realize their full potential through interventions and supports that are proven to reduce delinquent and criminal behavior, as well as the impacts and financial costs of incarceration.
Innovation
SMART Team, a program of JRI, was selected as a 2016 Social Innovator. The 2016 Boston Social Innovation Forum is working for social change across Greater Boston by helping organizations, such as SMART Team, gain visibility, expand networks, and strengthen impact.
Leadership
Jenese Brownhill is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Jenese began her career as a Boston Police station-based social worker. She has a long history of working with at-risk youth and families and has extensive knowledge of resources and treatment modalities specific to this population. She has worked in numerous settings including the alternative education program, the outpatient clinic, the community health center, the family stabilization program, and the juvenile justice system.
The SMART Team is instrumental in supporting the effective transition of high-risk youth back into the community. We're fortunate to have them as a partner in our work.
Peter Forbes
Commissioner, Department of Youth Services
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