Adolescent Consultation Services

CONTACT:

189 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-494- 0135
www.acskids.org

Rebecca Pries

DESCRIPTION:

Since 1973), ACS has provided life-changing services for the most vulnerable citizens: court-involved children and families. Some of these children have broken laws; others are runaways or truants; all are victims — of poverty, abuse and neglect, mental or physical illness, or domestic violence. The court refers them to ACS to gain an understanding of the problem and to develop a realistic remedial plan. The goal is to achieve positive results that break the cycle of violence and poverty. ACS provides evaluations and treatment that go beyond the immediate problem; it illuminates hidden problems — learning disabilities, mental or physical illness, substance abuse, family trauma, severe economic hardship, immigration struggles, etc. Then, working with the court, schools, social services, clients and families, ACS provides a range of services — e.g., individual and family counseling, group treatment, client advocacy — that increase the probability of genuine, lasting, change. ACS has produced the standard reference book on Massachusetts laws that affect youth: Kids and the Law: A User's Guide to the Court System. In 2002, ACS launched two new Advocacy Initiatives that more than doubled the number of services provided. These Advocacy Initiatives allow clinicians to link clients with community resources and follow up with families and schools. To incarcerate a youth today costs $75,000 per year; each one saved from becoming a criminal saves society $1.5 million. Philanthropy supplies the cost-effective alternative.

(1999: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: General)