Description: This presentation, based on the methodology of Utah's Juvenile Justice and Youth Services, introduces the Risk, Need, and Responsivity (RNR) model as the modern standard for recidivism reduction, where the "Golden Thread" metaphor illustrates how assessment (Risk/Need) must be continuously carried through to service delivery (Responsivity). The core of RNR involves matching intervention intensity to risk, targeting the "Central Eight" behavioral needs, and using stabilization and treatment tools like DBT to reduce recidivism. Learning Objectives: Understand the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model and why it is important for therapists to know it. Identify how assessment (Risk/Need) must be continuously carried through to service delivery (Responsivity). Identify how Utah JJYS uses DBT to reduce recidivism.
Presenter Bios: Sara Simpson is a licensed clinical mental health counselor. She began her career in education as an English teacher and learned that she especially loved working with at-risk youth. She later graduated with an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018, and has worked with JJYS in the State of Utah since 2021. She has previous experience working in residential treatment programs, middle and high schools, Adult Probation & Parole, and community mental health centers with a focus on DBT, EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. Her current role as a Clinical Trainer in JJYS blends her experience of teaching, curriculum development, and clinical work, and she is especially passionate about supporting staff who are working directly with young people. When she's not working, Sara enjoys reading & writing poetry, going on hikes with her dogs Blue and Maverick, and hanging out with her kids at home. Chera Mann is a licensed clinical social worker. She is dedicated to helping individuals,
families, and professionals understand mental health and find ways to improve their
quality of life. Chera graduated with a Master's degree in Social Work in 2016 with a
focus on trauma in families. She has worked with children, youth, and adults in various
settings, including private practice, community mental health, court-ordered treatment
and in-home therapy with DCFS-involved families. Chera is especially passionate about
treating trauma and enjoys teaching and consulting with other professionals to help
them improve their knowledge and skills about evidence-based concepts and treatment
methods. She is trained in many evidence-based modalities, including: DBT, CBT, TFCBT, EMDR, IFS and MI. Chera is also a certified EMDR consultant. Tami Fullerton LCSW, has worked for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services in the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services since the late 1900's. She has worked in facilities as a line staff as well as being a facility director for over 15 years. She is currently a therapist supervisor, supervising mental health clinicians in some of our remote facilities across the southern end of Utah (for those familiar it is everything south of Provo). She also supports our case management teams across the state for youth in JJYS custody who do not make expected progress and have complex needs. In her free time Tami loves to read, spend time with her partner and their boxer/pitbull, and ride her bicycle near beautiful St. George, Utah where she has lived for most of her life. Jesse Higgins is the Clinical Director for Utah Juvenile Justice and Youth Services. He received his MS in Marriage & Family Therapy from a joint program of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He also has a PhD from Utah State University in Family & Human Development with specializations in statistics, adolescent development, and parenting. He has practiced individual, couple, and family therapy for over 15 years and is a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor with the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy. On the weekends, he loves to spend time with his wife, son, and 2 Springer Spaniels, ideally around a campfire. |
