Ho’okala Attendant Care Program

Ho`okala is a statewide diversion program that insures juveniles are not secured inappropriately in police lock-ups. The program was created in 1993 in order to maintain compliance with the Jail Removal and Sight and Sound Mandates of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.

Ho`okala (Hawaiian for “to free or release”) services are aimed at reuniting youth with their families and, in cases where that is not feasible, to provide the least restrictive care. Ho`okala staff conduct separate interviews with the youth and parent/legal guardians to address the arrest, obtain individual perspectives and identify any needs that the family may have. Both parties are brought together to discuss what has transpired and attempt some sort of resolution before the youth is released.

The Program provides 24-hour accessibility to the police, screening, intake, assessment services, crisis intervention, referral services, attendant care, and access to emergency shelter services.

Services

Intake and assessment
24-hour access immediate the police, assessment services and linkages to appropriate services
Referrals to appropriate community-based agencies

Population

Youth ages 10-17
Status offenders and non-violent minor law violators

Admission Criteria

Youth has been arrested or referred by the police
Ho`okala staff conduct separate interviews with the youth and parent/legal guardians to address the arrest, obtain individual perspectives and identify any needs that the family may have.
The last part of the intake consists of bringing both parties together to discuss what has transpired and attempt some sort of resolution before the youth is released.
An assessment is then done by staff to determine what kind of counseling referral is needed.

Youth Responsibilities