King County is a leader in addressing youth violence with family members

Youth violence with family members is becoming recognized as a serious safety problem throughout the nation and in other countries. Step-Up was the first program of its kind in the country and has been regarded by many as a model program. Juvenile courts, family courts and related agencies from 16 states, 3 Canadian Provinces, New Zealand and Bermuda have requested use of our curriculum. The curriculum has been implemented in Thurston County, Washington; Lucas County, Ohio; Deschutes County, Oregon; West Palm Beach, Florida; Pinellas Park, Florida; Port St. Lucie, Florida; Auckland, New Zealand. Step-up staff provide consultation and training to courts and agencies implementing the curriculum.

The Step-Up curriculum was recently selected to be implemented as a Models for Change pilot project at three demonstration sites in Illinois. DuPage, Cook and Peoria counties will begin implementing the program in 2010. King County Step-Up will partner with them and Lucas County Juvenile Court Step-Up in Ohio, to collect program outcome data with a view toward building strong evidence of program efficacy.

Models for Change is a national initiative funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation that focuses on promoting systems change in juvenile justice. “Improving justice system response to juveniles charged with domestic violence” is one of four focus areas for Models for Change in Illinois.

If you are interested in training for your staff on the issue of youth violence with family members or implementing a Step-Up program please contact us.