Annapolis (April 8, 2008) - County Executive John R. Leopold today announced the launching of a new initiative in Anne Arundel County with The Center for Children to provide targeted clinical services to troubled and delinquent youth, ages 11 to 18, and their families. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) approved the grant award that will sponsor the program and will monitor the program through the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, an agent of county government. "These families will receive Functional Family Therapy (FFT), a research-based model program that has demonstrated its effectiveness at strengthening families and reducing recidivism of youth offenders," said County Executive Leopold. Beginning in May, the Center for Children staff, working out of the Annapolis office of DJS, will work closely with at least 120 youth and their families identified by DJS during the next year. The goals of Functional Family Therapy are to: - Improve the functioning of the families served
- Decrease delinquent behavior and improve school performance
- Reduce the need for out-of-home placements of identified youth
For more information please contact Jane Jensen at the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency at (410) 222-7858. | 
