Juvenile Crisis and Assessment Centers are non-secure residential facilities that provide evidence-based services, crisis care, assessment and therapeutic residential services for youth ages 10-17 who require temporary out-of-home placement to assess and/or stabilize their behaviors. The centers provide an opportunity to determine and recommend the most appropriate interventions through the development of comprehensive assessments.

These centers serve boys and girls with histories of behavioral and mental health issues, neglect, trauma, or substance abuse. Referred by juvenile court counselors, youth stay 14-45 days for comprehensive testing and observation under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and licensed clinical case managers. They leave with a plan of care that maps out their strengths, areas of focus, goals, and services in their community that can help.

The Juvenile Crisis and Assessment Centers are the newest addition to the juvenile justice continuum of service. Insight Juvenile Crisis and Assessment Center opened in November 2015; Bridges Juvenile Crisis and Assessment Center opened in March of 2016; the Western Area Multi-Purpose Juvenile Crisis and Assessment Center opened in October 2016; and the Eastern Area Crisis and Assessment Center opened in January 2024.

Multipurpose Juvenile Homes are designed to provide non-secure, long-term, residential care as an alternative to secure detention and placement in a youth development center. The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention contracts with Methodist Home for Children to operate five of these homes at locations throughout the state. 

These co-ed group homes serve boys and girls ages 10-17 whose repeat offenses are leading them toward more serious involvement in the juvenile justice or adult corrections systems. Referred by juvenile court counselors, youth stay for six to eight months, receiving educational services while learning to accept authority and take responsibility for their actions. 

Multipurpose Juvenile Homes are located in Chowan, Hertford, Macon, Robeson and Wayne counties. State management and oversight are provided by the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Short-Term Residential Programs offer rehabilitative services for adjudicated male and female youth ages 13-17 with elevated risks and needs. These services are provided in partnership with Eckerd Connects, which operates residential academies in Caswell, Montgomery, Vance and Wilkes counties.

Services provided in these settings include individualized treatment and academic plans that combine formal and experiential education; vocational education; community service; and behavioral health and family counseling in a non-punitive environment. These services are designed to address the youth's behavioral challenges through a strength-based approach.

Placement in this setting typically lasts between four and six months, and includes a strong family transition component to facilitate a smooth transition back into the community.

Transitional Living Homes serve youth ages 16-21 who are on probation but cannot return home safely after release from a youth development center or other residential placement. Referred by juvenile court counselors, youth stay for six to 12 months, working to finish school; identify career goals; get a job; volunteer; earn a driver’s license; and develop the skills necessary for independent living.

Major program components of the transitional living homes include education, vocational training, employment, group activities, money management, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, community volunteering, and independent living group activities. 

Methodist Home for Children operates three transitional living homes at locations in Craven, Wake and Wayne counties.