Randolph County juvenile court counselor outlines therapeutic approach, service gaps

Letha Willis, a juvenile court counselor supervisor in Randolph County, described the county’s juvenile-counseling services and emphasized their therapeutic focus, not punishment.

Willis said court counselors work directly with juveniles and their families to develop accountability plans, coordinate with schools on educational needs and refer young people to community programs such as the juvenile day reporting center and mental‑health providers. "Our main mission is meant to be therapeutic. It's not meant to be punitive," she said.

The counselor said that court staff frequently visit homes and meet with schools and service providers to build plans tailored to each youth. "They're the ones that's coming in your home. They're the ones that are working very closely with juvenile, the families," Willis said, describing counselors' roles in case management and interagency coordination.

Willis highlighted a recurring access problem: referrals for in‑home therapy, which she called ‘‘very difficult to get’’ at times. She said counselors convene meetings with providers to address these barriers and to connect families to available services. "We can be a part of the solution by just working with the families ... and giving them someone that they can trust," she said, urging early engagement when behavioral concerns first appear.

Willis closed by listing statewide programs offered through the Department of Juvenile Justice that local counselors use to support youths, including multi‑purpose group homes, independent‑living training and statewide assessment centers. She said those programs help teach independent‑living skills and guide juveniles toward successful outcomes.

No formal motions, votes or policy decisions were recorded in the remarks; Willis presented services, challenges and resources without proposing new local policy or requesting board action.