THE CHALLENGE
Young adults (ages 16-24) are involved with the criminal justice system in disproportionate numbers compared to other age groups. A growing body of research shows that this population is closer developmentally to teenagers than to older adults and, therefore, it is more effective to address their criminal behavior with age-appropriate treatments, including diversion programs. Diversion programs redirect individuals, typically youth and first-time offenders, from prosecution and/or incarceration to community-based programming, case management, and supports.
OUR RESPONSE
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, funded a 3-year technical assistance initiative that is helping 16 state and local partnerships provide their justice-involved young adult population with alternatives to prosecution and/or incarceration, including special education, career and technical education, and other workforce development opportunities.
Technical Assistance Partnerships:
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Alameda County, California
- Los Angeles County, California
- Orange County, California
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Hampden County, Massachusetts
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Reno, Nevada
- Camden, New Jersey
- Ocean County, New Jersey
- New York
- Portland, Oregon
- City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Utah
These CTE programs build on existing efforts to improve reentry outcomes for youth who have been in the justice system, with a focus on building strong partnerships to implement a comprehensive and collaborative approach to improving education, employment, and other positive outcomes for justice-involved youth and young adults. Jobs for the Future is providing technical assistance and subject matter expertise to support the implementation of these programs.”
An online toolkit is being developed and will be housed on the Perkins Collaborative Resource Network at: https://cte.ed.gov.