--- title: "Building Relationships & Supporting Youth: A Positive Approach to Juvenile Justice | Search Institute" description: “The system would identify problems and try to fix those problems. This ends up being a very negative approach,” says Williamson County (TX) Juvenile Services (WCJS) Executive Director Scott Matthew. This is why around 7 years ago Matthew began looking at how WCJS—which includes a detention center, residential facilities, an on-site school, and community prevention [...] --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog August 18, 2015 2 Minutes Read By : [searchinstitute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Building Relationships & Supporting Youth: A Positive Approach to Juvenile Justice [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-relationships-supporting-youth-positive-approach-juvenile-justice%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-relationships-supporting-youth-positive-approach-juvenile-justice%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-relationships-supporting-youth-positive-approach-juvenile-justice%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-relationships-supporting-youth-positive-approach-juvenile-justice%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) # Building Relationships & Supporting Youth: A Positive Approach to Juvenile Justice By [searchinstitute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) August 17 2015 2 Minutes Read “The system would identify problems and try to fix those problems. This ends up being a very negative approach,” says [Williamson County (TX) Juvenile Services](http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/JuvenileServices/tabid/2391/language/en-US/Default.aspx) (WCJS) Executive Director Scott Matthew. This is why around 7 years ago Matthew began looking at how WCJS—which includes a detention center, residential facilities, an on-site school, and community prevention programs—could take a positive approach in their work with youth and families. “These youth are already in what is perceived to be a negative place in a negative situation, so expanding on the positives they have going for them is very powerful.” That’s when Matthew found [The Georgetown Project](http://www.georgetownproject.org/), a community initiative in Williamson County that has been building Developmental Assets in the lives of youth since the 1990s. Matthew met with The Georgetown Project’s Executive Director Leslie Janca to discuss how his juvenile justice department could tap into the strong network of support for positive youth development already present in the community. “Juvenile services is kind of a nontraditional out-of-school time organization and we were really excited about having them as a partner,” says Janca. “A big thing for me was that there was already an established language,” says Matthew about the [Developmental Assets](https://www.search-institute.org/our-research/development-assets/). He also highlights the fact that the asset framework of youth strengths and supports has been measured and used with millions of young people around the world. “Search Institute provides an evidence-based foundation about how kids thrive and succeed. If we build these things \[assets\] around them, we know we’re making an impact.” [Our Research: Measuring Intangible Strengths in Kids’ Lives >>](https://www.search-institute.org/our-research/) By adopting the Developmental Assets framework, WCJS staff found that they could more easily connect with other community partners who were also using the asset framework with youth. As Matthew explained, the alignment of philosophies makes young people feel more supported when they leave the juvenile justice system to work with outside agencies, which is a huge benefit for all involved. Assets have also helped improve staff morale at WCJS. “The change in the organization has been huge,” says Mathew. “If you come to work every day just looking for problems, it’s not pleasant. When people have the feeling that they are doing something good and identifying positive things, it’s motivating.” Matthew says the organization still identifies problems, but the staff now creates positive programs to support those issues using the asset framework. ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/WCJS-Hallway-cap-2.jpg) To build on this work with the Developmental Assets, WCJS recently started incorporating the [Developmental Relationships Framework](https://www.search-institute.org/research/developmental-relationships) into their programming. “We have found it useful to connect Developmental Assets and developmental relationships,” says Assistant Chief and Director of Mental Health Services Matt Smith. “It’s hard to know how to build relationships. It’s difficult to find time. The Developmental Relationships Framework has helped us narrow our focus and get more strategic in using all that Search has given us.” The organization has started a dialogue about the Developmental Relationships Framework and is planning to use the framework in the future as a professional development tool. “We have a really lively, ongoing discussion in our organization and we are finding many different ways to integrate Search Institute research into training and practical tools to use with youth,” says WCJS Prevention Coordinator and Chaplain Kory Capps. [Does Your School or Program Really Value Relationships? Six Questions to Ask >>](https://www.search-institute.org/blog/does-your-school-or-program-really-value-relationships) Matthew, Smith, Capps, and the WCJS staff have transformed the image of juvenile justice services in Williamson County. “We’re a resource, we provide youth services,” says Matthew. “Kids who come under our services are no different than the kids who don’t. It’s not a negative thing to be involved in juvenile services and the Developmental Assets have helped us come a long way to create that image.” #### searchinstitute Author ## Recommended For You 2 Min Read ### [3 Ways to Build a Developmental Community](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/3-ways-build-developmental-community) [searchinstitute September 22 2015](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) 1 Min Read ### [Four Steps for Giving Motivating Feedback](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/four-steps-giving-motivating-feedback) [searchinstitute February 16 2016](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) 2 Min Read ### [Drug Free Communities: Tackling Norms Around Kids and Substance Use](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/drug-free-communities-tackling-norms-around-kids-substance-use) [searchinstitute March 19 2014](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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