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I recently received the Tulsa County Juvenile Bureau Annual Report for 2025. Generally, a youth who is arrested or referred to authorities for conduct that would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult is first seen by the Juvenile Bureau. The Bureau also serves youth and families of children in need of supervision (CHINS) who have not committed an offense but have run away or are out of control by their parents. Here are the Bureau services.
The intake department’s eight counselors serve as the first point of contact for youth entering the juvenile justice system. They conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments, recommend release, diversion, detention, or other action to the court, and coordinate referrals to community resources, social service agencies, and mental health providers as needed. The intake division received 1,831 referrals involving 3,003 alleged offenses by 1,430 juveniles in 2025. The average age was 15.63, composed of 980 males and 450 females.
Intake may refer misdemeanor first offenses to a diversionary program. Tulsa uses MAPS (Misdemeanant Alternative Program) through Youth Services of Tulsa and the First Offender Program through Street School. Approximately 342 youth were successfully referred to MAPS, and their charges were dismissed. 40 additional youth were referred to the Street School program.
The Probation Department has 9 Probation Counselors and typically has no contact with youth or their families until a youth has been adjudicated delinquent. In 2025, the department received approximately 255 referrals, with an average caseload of 28.3 clients per Probation Counselor.
The overall goal of the Probation Department is to help families develop the skills and resources needed for long-term stability while supporting youth in successfully completing probation and avoiding future involvement with the court system. Probation serves approximately 473 families annually, composed of 382 male and 91 female youth. The average caseload per probation counselor is 27.
The Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) serves as an alternative to detention. Youth are referred to the ISP program exclusively by judicial order. When youth meet program requirements, they may be released from detention under court-ordered supervision conditions. Any violation may result in the youth being detained and returned to custody. The ISP team provides 24-hour on-call support to respond to emergencies and assist families in navigating crises. In 2025, the ISP program received 188 youth referrals: 161 male and 27 female. Of the 188 total referrals to ISP, 89% completed the program successfully.
The CHINS program supports youth and families facing conflict or unmet needs that could lead to deeper involvement in the juvenile justice system. Through partnerships such as Counseling and Recovery Services and CREOKS, it connects families with support services. The CHINS program also files pickup orders for youth who have run away, allowing the Tulsa Police Department to help return them home or take them to Youth Services of Tulsa. In 2025, the program served 92 youth and filed 59 pickup orders.
The Youth Intervention and Engagement program provides educational groups to at-risk youth across Tulsa County. By partnering with Tulsa Public Schools and others, the program facilitates evidence-based programming including topics such as sexual health, healthy relationships, dating violence, human trafficking awareness, and accessing safety resources. During the 24-25 school year, hundreds of students received valuable resources.
The Tulsa County Family Treatment Court’s (FTC) focus is on recovery, reunification, accountability, and long-term family stability for families impacted by substance use and child welfare involvement. FTC prioritizes early and consistent access to evidence-based substance use treatment, including mental health services and recovery supports that address the root causes of family involvement in the child welfare system. Reunification is the central goal. In 2025, 44 adults were served, with 13 graduating, which impacted 77 children.
Phoenix Rising Alternative School is one of several alternative schools in Tulsa that provides a meaningful educational pathway for justice-involved and at-risk youth through structured learning, individualized academic support, and experiences that extend beyond the classroom. The goal is not only academic success, but personal growth and exposure to future opportunities.
In addition to in-school programming, groups toured Tulsa Tech, where they learned about career training programs and hands-on educational options. Students also visited the U.S. Capitol and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Phoenix Rising is committed to providing enriching experiences that inspire students, broaden their perspectives, and support their journey toward a successful future. In 2025, 79 students were served, 38 male and 41 female. 11 students graduated while attending Phoenix Rising.
Making the right decision and doing the right thing the first time can make a huge difference in a youth’s success. Four judges, Chief Judge Todd Chesbro, Judge Kevin Morrison, Judge Mary Ann Godsby, and Judge Gary Davis, serve on the Juvenile Bureau. The Tulsa County Juvenile Bureau services are impressive and a bargain for Tulsa County taxpayers.
