How We Help

Discover How We Can Improve the Lives of Juveniles

Bridgeway has been committed to helping the youth and families since it was founded in 1999. In our 20 years of experience, we’ve fine-tuned our services to develop treatment plans that are effective. Our vision for each youth and family we serve is to not only help them complete court requirements but also make lasting, positive changes to their lives.

how-we-help

The Bridgeway Process

The youth entering the Wayne County Juvenile Justice System are evaluated by Assured Family Services (AFS)). The youth are referred to one of the five Wayne County Care Management Organizations (CMOs) through the AFS depending upon the parent/guardian’s zip code.

As a CMO, we are a source of guidance and support for the youth and families during their time within the juvenile justice system. This is a difficult time for many, but the process can be easier with proper treatment and a positive mindset.

Each youth and family have a unique situation, and that’s why our treatment plans are unique.

Our treatment plans are customized combinations of services, which may include :
  • Individual and family counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Substance abuse education, counseling, and treatment
  • Life skills
  • Multisystemic therapy—An intensive family and community-based program that addresses all environmental systems.
  • Social living skills
  • Mentoring
  • Academic monitoring and tutoring
  • Sex education
  • After-school programming
  • Community service
  • Wraparound Services
  • Job Readiness
  • Electronic Monitoring
  • Sex Offender Counseling

We believe success is possible for all youth who participate in Bridgeway services. While the definition of success may vary from case to case, several factors remain constant. Please visit our Bridgeway Success page to learn more.

Parent/guardian involvement is one aspect of treatment that’s critical to success, no matter how it’s defined. To see how you can help your child during treatment, please visit our Parents/Guardians page.

What to Expect

Because circumstances are unique for each youth, the length of treatment varies from case to case.

The youth are released from the juvenile justice system when they have completed their court-ordered requirements and their jurist deems them ready. While clients are working with us, they can expect:

  • Guidance and assistance in understanding their unique legal circumstances.
  • A treatment plan that addresses these circumstances and is designed to meet all requirements for release from the juvenile justice system.
  • Support throughout the entire process, which includes a minimum of weekly meetings with a probation worker if the child is at home, and monthly meetings if the child is in residential placement outside the home.
  • Assistance coordinating other community support
  • Answers to questions about treatment, the legal process, and conditions required for release.
  • A friendly, caring group of individuals who will work hard to help the child and family overcome their legal challenges.

Program Overview

While Bridgeway offers a number of services, each treatment plan is customized. This approach allows Bridgeway to provide more effective treatment that meets the individual needs of the youth.

There are three levels of probation, and the youth’s probation level has an effect upon the treatment process. For a detailed description of the probation levels, please visit our Legal Status page.

The youth can only be released from probation, regardless of the level, by his/her jurist. This will generally require a hearing in front of the jurist, which will be scheduled after the youth’s probation worker has filed a petition requesting to terminate the youth’s wardship in the juvenile justice system.

Overall, the court’s decision to release the youth from wardship in the juvenile justice system is dependent upon how successfully the youth has met probation requirements. For more information on how the youth can succeed with Bridgeway, please visit our Bridgeway Success page.