Term

Definition

Adjudication

The act of a court in making an order, judgment, or decree.  A judicial decision or sentence.

Apprenticeship

A person who works for, and is professionally mentored by, a skilled craftsman  in order to learn a trade.

At-Risk

Youth placed outside the homes of biological family members.

Community Home

A type of group home usually arranged through a government or social-service agency that provides remuneration for expenses.

Comprehensive Transition Services

Services and resources provided for the purpose of helping troubled youth transition to independent living situations, including mentoring, supplemental education, training, and job placement and living assistance during and after the residential living/agency experience.

Dependency

Determined by a hearing whereby the question of juvenile care by a responsible adult is evaluated.

Juvenile Delinquency

Conduct by a juvenile characterized by anti-social behavior that is beyond parental control and therefore subject to legal action.

Development Resource Portal

Service offerings that include professional network, economic planning, counseling, and information services that will empower at-risk youth to independence.

Foster Care

The raising or supervision of foster children, as orphans or delinquents, in an institution, group home, or private home, usually arranged through a government or social-service agency that provides remuneration for expenses.

Gang

A group of individuals involved in a pattern of criminal acts.

Internship

An advanced student or graduate usually in a professional field (as medicine or teaching) gaining supervised practical experience (as in a hospital or classroom).

Mentoring

A structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing competence and character (National Mentoring Partnership, 2005, p. 9).

Non- Traditional Family

Living with and being raised by individuals or organizations other than biological or extended family members.

Out-of-Home Care

Core support services provided by a group home or similar facility to at-risk youth.

Public Charity

A 501c(3) non-profit charity that receives the major part of its financial support from the public, rather than from an individual, single entity, or small group of supporters.

Private Foundation

A 501c(3) non-profit foundation that does not receive major financial support  from the public, but, rather, from an individual, single entity, or small group of supporters.

Responsible Living

A lifestyle that is based on assuming responsibility for physical, psychological, moral, social, and environmental well being while achieving independence.

Successful Transition 

Achieving responsible, independent living and thereby making positive contributions to society.

Traditional Family

Living with and being raised by biological or extended family members.

Treatment Team

A group of professionals (case worker, social worker, etc.) organized around the support of a client for the purpose of achieving a successful transition to responsible and independent living.