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Model Programs Guide: Implementation Guide: Juvenile Reentry Programs

NCJ Number
252195
Date Published
September 2018
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This I-Guide (short for Implementation Guide) is intended for use with the Model Programs Guide in implementing evidence-based juvenile reentry programs, which involve services that prepare youth who have been in out-of-home correctional placements to behave responsibly and constructively in the communities to which they return.
Abstract
Youth returning to their communities and families after confinement face a variety of challenges, including interaction with family members, barriers to education and employment, and finding permanent housing. How these challenges are addressed by these youth will determine whether they reoffend. Juvenile reentry programs generally focus on changing a youth' individual behavior to facilitate addressing the challenges they face. Such programs include services for the youth both before and after release. They generally focus on changing a youth's problem behaviors and assisting them in developing practical skills of constructive independence. This I-Guide provides recommended steps for juvenile justice agencies that want to implement a reentry program, but need more background information on how to address specific problems and decide which evidence-based program is best for a particular jurisdiction. The I-Guide is also useful for agencies that may have already identified a reentry program to implement, but need more information about procuring funds and establishing other supports for program implementation. In addition, it provides guidance for agencies that are close to starting a reentry program but need more information on issues such as sustainability or dealing with unanticipated setbacks after a program has begin. The 10 steps discussed in the I-Guide pertain to starting a program, supporting it, and ensuring that it improves and survives. The I-Guide can be accessed from this web page.