NOJOS does not treat every level as equally open-ended.
- Level One: approximately two to three months.
- Level Two: generally up to 12 months.
- Level Three: generally up to 12 months, although the intensive services may end sooner if the child and family no longer require that degree of support.
- Level Four and above: duration is more open-ended and depends substantially upon treatment progress, assessed risk, placement needs, caregiver capacity, and readiness to move to a less restrictive setting.
The phrase “generally up to 12 months” does not necessarily create an automatic legal deadline. A provider may believe that additional treatment is clinically justified. Nevertheless, the NOJOS discharge criteria provide a meaningful benchmark. If Level Two or Level Three treatment continues beyond 12 months, parents can reasonably ask for:
- A written explanation of why treatment remains necessary.
- An updated assessment of the child’s current risk and needs.
- Identification of the specific treatment goals that remain incomplete.
- An explanation of why those goals could not be completed within the expected period.
- The criteria and anticipated timetable for discharge or step-down.
- Consideration of an independent clinical review.
A provider should not be able to make the stated duration meaningless simply by saying that treatment will continue until the provider is “satisfied.” Continuing beyond the general guideline should be supported by individualized clinical reasons, measurable remaining goals, and periodic reassessment.
Important disclaimer
NOJOS Help is an independent website written by a parent. It is not affiliated with, operated by, sponsored by, or endorsed by NOJOS, the NOJOS organization, or any NOJOS-approved provider.
NOJOS Help is not a law firm. This site provides general educational information and does not provide legal or clinical advice or create an attorney-client or therapist-client relationship. Laws, policies, and treatment guidelines can change, and the appropriate response depends on each family’s circumstances. Families facing an investigation, juvenile proceeding, assessment, or treatment decision should consult qualified independent professionals.
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