Pathways, MI

The Juvenile Community Justice (JCJ) program is a court program administrated by the 20^th Circuit Court, Juvenile Services Division in collaboration with Bethany Christian Services, Pathways, MI and other local agencies, to provide intensive community-based services for court involved youth.

The goal of the JCJ program is to provide a client-specific continuum of community based prevention and treatment services to youth who are court ordered into the program.

A comprehensive evaluation by the courts’ Assessment Unit and a predisposition investigation by the probation department are conducted as first steps.  A presentation is made to the court’s Resource Team to discuss the findings of these reports and form an appropriate recommendation that meets the individual needs of the juvenile.  After considering the Resource Team’s recommendation, the judge orders the juvenile into the program.  Upon program admittance, the JCJ team develops an individual treatment plan for each youth and his/her family.

Upon placement into JCJ, Bethany Christian Services or Pathways, MI is assigned to facilitate implementation of the individual treatment plan in cooperation with the court’s JCJ supervisor, probation officer, group leader and others from the juvenile’s community as needed.

A unique component of JCJ is that an Ottawa County Sheriff’s Deputy, assigned full time to Juvenile Services, is a part of the JCJ team.  The deputy functions as the youth’s probation officer.

Program Goals

• Reduce/eliminate recidivism
• Improve academic performances
• Promote a drug/alcohol free lifestyle
• Develop employment skills

Juvenile Justice Institute (JJI)

A collaborative school program operated by the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and the 20th Circuit Court, Juvenile Services Division.  The school is designed for youth enrolled in the Juvenile Community Justice (JCJ) program and are in need of educational assistance or unable to attend another school program.  JJI school also serves other youth who have been expelled or long-term suspended from their home schools.  Youth must be ordered into the JJI program.

Contact Shaina Kiester, Juvenile Justice Case Manager, with questions or concerns:

Shaina Kiester at 616-396-2301 x138

Via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Currently JCJ Foster Parent's are in great need.  Helping to guide youth on the right path is invaluable. 

Occasionally, youth involved in the JCJ program are removed from their homes on a temporary basis in order to provide stability to the child or family.  They are then placed in licensed foster homes through Pathways, MI.  Foster parents in the JCJ program are licensed in the same manner as general foster parents: however they receive a higher stipend and additional supports through the JCJ team.  Adults interested in fostering for the JCJ program should enjoy working with teens and be interested in assisting them in becoming successful adults.