Terminology 0 - A
From Voices for Ohio's Children
Acronyms, Terminology, & Web-Related Resources
2-1-1
On February 2, 2004, the public was able to dial 2-1-1 to link people to health and human services in Cuyahoga County, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The three-digit number connects callers with the same resources of (216) 436-2000, United Way’s First Call For Help, linking to First Call’s information specialists, who will continue to assess needs and refer callers to the appropriate service at more than 1,000 agencies in the data base. In the first two months of operation, 2-1-1 experienced a 12 percent increase in call volume. The 2-1-1 effort makes it easier for the citizens of Cuyahoga County to learn where to meet various needs from food, shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, mental health services, alcohol and drug abuse, etc. Funding sources include United Way and state, county and federal dollars. The program is part of a national movement led by United Way of America and the Association of Information and Referral Agencies to develop one number throughout the country for information and social services referrals.
501(c)(3)
The Internal Revenue Service ruling which provides tax-free status to non-profit organizations. It has become synonymous with not-for-profit. More than 500 501(c)(3)s are registered to provide health and human services with the State of Ohio and are among the non-partner agencies that can receive a portion of designated United Way dollars.
AA (Associate Degree)
A type of undergraduate college degree requiring a minimum of 60 credits/units. The traditional AA degree has three parts: general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. AA degrees are awarded by community, junior, or technical colleges to indicate that one has completed a program of study with a broad base in general education and concentration in at least one specific area. AA degrees can be obtained in an occupational or liberal arts field.
Useful Website: http://www.ccsf.edu/Info/How_to_Get_An_Associates_Degree/
ABC Initiative (Access to Better Care)
A comprehensive plan launched by leaders in human services that seeks to secure state funding for the behavioral healthcare needs of children, adolescents, and families in Ohio. Recommendations and suggested strategies proposed in June of 2004 focus on prevention, early assessment, and effective treatment of behavioral health issues, stressing the role of the family and surrounding community.
Useful Website: http://www.pcsao.org/abc.htm
ABCDC (Assuring Better Child Health and Development Consortium)
There are two phases to this consortium, both directed at providing health services to low-income children ages 0 to 3. Phase I focuses on strategies for delivering early child health and development services such as screening and assessment, and parent education. Phase II will focus on creating ways to provide and finance mental healthcare for Medicaid-eligible children. Additionally, other programs and policies will be developed to oversee the service, knowledge, and skills of pediatric providers that support healthy mental development in children.
Useful Website: http://www.finebynine.org/pdf/SECPTAN_Multisite_10_04.pdf
ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act)
A civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, state or local government services, public accommodations and public transportation.
ADAMH (Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board)
The board made up of 18 citizen volunteers who provide leadership and direction in forming policy and allocating funds and have provided strong support for a "safety net" of alcohol, drug and mental healthcare for our community. The ADAMH Board makes a difference in our community by restoring and improving people's lives. They fund, evaluate, and plan for the necessary services in our community then purchase care from community experts. They do not provide any direct service, but instead contract with more than 40 local agencies.
(Program & Initiative)
Useful Website: http://www.adamhfranklin.org/about/index.php
Accompanied Youth
A youth who is with a parent, legal guardian, or other immediate adult relative he or she is apprehended.
Adjudicated
Term used if youth is found delinquent.
Adjudicatory Hearing
The adjudicatory hearing is to juveniles what trials are to adults. The adjudicatory hearing must be held within 15 days after the filing of the complaint if a child is detained. If a child is not detained, the hearing must be held within 60 days after the complaint is filed. This deadline may be extended under special circumstances, or if a child’s attorney or the prosecutor moves for a continuance. If the court grants the continuance, the hearing is postponed to a later date. A child’s attorney may request a continuance so they can have more time to better prepare for the adjudicatory hearing. At the adjudicatory hearing, a child will either admit or deny that he committed the act with which he has been charged.
Adjustment of Immigration Status
The procedure allowing children already in the U.S. to apply for different immigrant status. Children admitted to the U.S. in a non-immigrant or refugee category may have their status changed to that of lawful permanent resident if eligible. Children who enter the U.S without legal documents are required to leave the U.S. and acquire a visa abroad from the State Department.
Admission
When a youth tells the court that he committed the act in question it is similar to a guilty plea in adult court. It could also be a statement made by the child, police, or any other person stating that they committed the delinquent act.
Adoption
See Permanent Custody (Below)
Advocacy
Activities in support of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities including rights protection, legal and services assistance, and system or policy changes.
Aftercare
A juvenile/youth that is being monitored or supervised upon their release from an alternative placement or treatment setting.
Allocation
The amount of money (from the total funds raised during the campaign) that a partner agency will receive toward its annual operating budget. Nearly 130 partner agencies receive funds that support a portion of 180 different health and human service programs. United Way dollars represent approximately five percent of any one partner agency’s annual operating budget but are important dollars to leverage additional funding.
American Bar Association Juvenile Justice Committee
The ABA Juvenile Justice Committee’s website contains current articles on juvenile justice issues including juvenile delinquency and detention; articles and publications concerning juvenile death penalty; and links to other juvenile justice web resources.
Useful Website: http://www.abanet.org/crimjust/juvjus/home.html
Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Casey Foundation is dedicated to fostering public policies, human service reforms, and community supports for at risk children. The website contains links to Kids Count data reports, both state-wide and national, which track the status of children in America. The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) is a Casey-supported detention reform model that has demonstrated significant success; see this site for more information.
Useful Website: http://www.aecf.org
Appeal
To take a case to a higher court to review the opinion of the juvenile court.
APSI (Advocacy and Protective Services)
An agency that provides guardianship services to people with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disorders (MR/DD).
Useful Website: http://www2.ashtabula.com/detail.asp?id=70
Arc
An advocacy organization that works on behalf of people with mental retardation as well as for their families, and their allies. The Arc strives for the full inclusion of all children and adults in their home communities through advocacy, information dissemination, empowerment training and other programs. Over 40 years of dedicated work on behalf of citizens with mental retardation has resulted in a firm philosophy.
Useful Website: http://thearc.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=1386&srcid=183
Assessment
A professional evaluation of a child’s educational or mental health needs. Used to determine what services are needed for successful rehabilitation or educational success.
Assistive Technology
Describes equipment designed to improve the quality of life or helps in the mobility of a person with disabilities.
ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire)
A screening tool used to test infants and young children for developmental delays during the crucial first 5 years of life. Parents complete the simple, illustrated 30-item questionnaires at designated intervals, assessing children in their natural environments to ensure valid results. Each questionnaire can be completed in just 10-15 minutes and covers five key developmental areas including communication, gross and fine motor skills, problem solving, and personal-social observations.
Useful Website: http://www.brookespublishing.com/store/books/bricker-asq/index.htm
ASQ:SE (Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social/Emotional)
A screening tool used to identify social-emotional difficulties in children 6-60 months old. The questionnaire, completed by parents, addresses seven behavioral areas: self-regulation, compliance, communication, adaptive functioning, autonomy, affect, and interaction with people. Results of the questionnaire are used to monitor social-emotional development, make suggestions for further assessment, and determine what family support services are needed.
Useful Website: http://www.brookespublishing.com/store/books/squires-asqse/ASQ-SE_Overview.pdf
Asylum/Refugee
The protection provided by the U.S. to children found to be unable or unwilling to return to their country of nationality because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Asylees/refugees are eligible to adjust to lawful permanent resident status after one year of continuous presence in the U.S.
At Risk
Term used with children who have, or could have, developmental problems that may affect later learning.
Attention Center
A locked secure holding facility where juveniles charged with crimes or delinquencies are held awaiting their final disposition.
Attorney
Represents a person in a legal action. The attorney’s job is to do what the client requests within ethical and professional guidelines. The state also has an attorney (prosecutor) representing their interests in the case. An attorney is the same as a lawyer.
AYPF (American Youth Policy Forum)
AYPF strives to educate policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on youth and education issues at the national, state and local levels. The website provides access to publications including a 2005 report on youth courts.
Useful Website: http://www.aypf.org
