Post Dispositional Program

The Post Dispositional Program, within the Juvenile Detention Center, was established in 1998 to provide the judges and staff an alternative to committing youth to the Department of Juvenile Justice, (DJJ) (in accordance with the Code of Virginia 16.1-284.1).

The Post Dispositional program at the Juvenile Detention Center has two distinct units: the Alpha and the Beta programs. Both the Alpha and Beta programs have an aftercare component.

The Beta Program

The Beta program is up to 180 day program for older, more chronic offenders who have had treatment or have been in other residential programs. Interventions are structured around such issues as anger management, social skills training, decision making skills, moral reasoning, and setting boundaries and limits. Services include group therapy, a psycho-educational component, and both therapeutic recreation and art therapy. It provides a local alternative to placement with DJJ. Each of these programs is housed in a 11-bed unit in the Center. The treatment team involves staff from Alcohol and Drug Services, Mental Health Services, Fairfax County Public School teachers, JDC child care staff, and an Aftercare Worker. All youth attend the regular JDC academic program that is operated by the Fairfax County Public Schools.