Baxter County Juvenile Services
BCJS serves Baxter County by balancing two responsibilities that matter equally: holding young people accountable for their choices, and giving them the support they need to make better ones.
Our Mission
To protect the community and serve the youth of Baxter County through a balanced approach — one that addresses the underlying needs of every child while ensuring each juvenile is held accountable for his or her behavior. We believe accountability and compassion are not opposites; together, they're the foundation of lasting change.
What We Do
BCJS handles two primary categories of juvenile cases referred through the 14th Judicial District Circuit Court:
Delinquency cases — offenses that would be crimes if committed by an adult, ranging from status offenses to more serious charges.
Family-in-Need-of-Services (FINS) cases — situations where a child, parent, or family is struggling with truancy, runaway behavior, or other challenges that require court-supported intervention.
Our team of juvenile intake and probation officers works directly with the court, the prosecuting attorney's office, local law enforcement, schools, and families to:
Conduct intake interviews and case assessments
Recommend appropriate dispositions to the court
Supervise youth on probation
Connect young people and families to community-based services
Monitor compliance and report progress to the judge
Programs We Operate
Through Baxter County Juvenile Services and our nonprofit partner, Community Connections for Youth & Families, Inc., we deliver three core programs designed to keep kids in school, in their homes, and out of deeper involvement with the justice system:
Family Resource Center — Parenting education, family strengthening services, and early-intervention support.
Education Enrichment Program — After-school academic assistance for youth at risk of falling behind or being suspended.
Community Partnership Program — Volunteer placements and court-ordered community service that connect young people with meaningful work in Baxter County.
Leadership & Court Oversight
BCJS operates under the authority of Circuit Judge Deanna "Suzie" Layton, who presides over the Juvenile Division of the 14th Judicial District Circuit Court.
A Community-Wide Effort
No single agency can change a young person's path alone. BCJS partners every day with the Mountain Home School District and surrounding districts, the Baxter County Sheriff's Office, local law enforcement, faith communities, and dozens of volunteers and community organizations. When the whole community shows up for our kids, kids show up for themselves.
Get in Touch
If you're a parent, school administrator, or community member who needs to reach Baxter County Juvenile Services, we're here to help.