When the Shelby County Youth Assessment Center launches next year, it will be part of a cultural shift aimed at changing the way authorities respond to juvenile offenders. The center, operated by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, will provide services like trauma informed care and referrals to community providers to help families find resources.
The contract with UTHSC is for one year, with the option to renew each year for three additional years. The program will be run through the University of Tennessee’s Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth headed by Memphis native Dr. Altha Stewart.