How does the Assessment Center determine what will happen with my child?
A Deputy Probation Officer from the Assessment Center will schedule a meeting with you and your child to discuss information received in a police report alleging that your child committed a crime. The meeting will take place at the Youth Services Center with the assigned Deputy Probation Officer and a clinician from Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. They will discuss all major factors in your child’s life, including school, mental health, and alcohol and drug use history. They will then determine whether your child’s case may be handled informally or if the police report will be sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
In cases where your child is in custody in Juvenile Hall (and is a San Mateo County resident), the Assessment Center staff will complete an assessment on your child, including an assessment with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and a phone interview with the parents. In all cases, the Deputy Probation Officer will make a decision regarding possibly releasing your child from custody and whether your child would benefit from an alcohol and drug evaluation or a mental health evaluation.
What do I need to bring with me to the Assessment Center?
Please bring a photo ID and the child’s social security card and birth certificate. It is also helpful if you bring the names and birth dates of everyone living in your home, whether they are related to you or not.
What can I expect at the Assessment Center?
You are going to be asked to share information regarding the child; their performance in school, in the home, and in the community. You will be asked about the child’s strengths and any areas of concern you may have. The more truthful and helpful you are, the better we will be able to assess the situation and provide the appropriate intervention and support.
We will be asking you to sign release of information forms so that we can obtain verification of school and/or counseling program attendance and performance.