QUEST

How It Works

Swift Assessment: A juvenile arrested for delinquency is evaluated by the New York City Department of Probation using a standardized risk assessment instrument. Based on this assessment, judges in Queens Family Court may assign respondents to QUEST. At this point, the young person and family member(s) meet with a court liaison and other program staff for an orientation. 

Community Monitoring: Youth who are enrolled in community monitoring must comply with a curfew determined by the judge and must attend school and all court appearances. Court monitors check rigorously for compliance through daily telephone contact and home visits when necessary.

After-School Supervision: The QUEST after-school supervision component runs year-round, including summer months, and consists of a variety of activities meant to engage and enrich participants, such as chess, basketball, reading groups, computer training, guest speakers, community service, and individual counseling.

Ongoing Case Management and Referrals: QUEST provides case management and referrals to respondents and families who request additional assistance.  Building upon information collected during the assessment, a youth counselor meets with participants and families individually and makes additional referrals for services as needed. Families are also invited to attend monthly “family meals” at QUEST where successful participants are acknowledged.

Graduated Sanctions: The QUEST staff is authorized to impose in-house sanctions in response to non-compliance, including required parent conferences at the program site, conferences with school attendance personnel, home visits, and in-house privilege losses. 

Better Information: All information concerning a participant’s performance is entered into a case management and compliance tracking system. Reports detailing progress and compliance are prepared and submitted to Court at each court appearance. The goal is to ensure that participants take court requirements seriously.

Outcome Monitoring: QUEST staff conduct a brief exit interview with each participant and/or parents/guardians to collect contact information and record any significant changes since program enrollment. QUEST staff then complete a discharge plan for each successful participant that offers information and referral recommendations for ongoing service needs and referrals. Program and evaluation staff also use the information to monitor outcomes and track program impact.

QUEST serves up to 220 youth annually. To date, 84% of participating youths have complied with court requirements, remain arrest free and have successfully completed the program or have been moved to another community based tier of supervision.