A New, Collaborative Approach to Reducing Recidivism Among Young Adults

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2019

The Assertive Community Treatment (ACTion) Team in Placer County, is adopting a fresh approach to reducing recidivism. Traditionally, justice-involved young adults interact with a probation officer who oversees their compliance with a court order and may refer them to community resources. Yet, this support is often not enough to reduce the interactions young adults have with the criminal justice system. The ACTion Team was created on the premise that the system should better identify the needs of justice-involved young adults, using that information to offer tailored services. Since services are likely to be diverse, many partners, community-based, county departments, licensed professionals, and peers - are needed to put clients on a path of health and well-being.The early results are promising. A low share of young adult participants are committing new criminal offenses. Many are also maintaining their employment, getting new jobs, and in stable housing.What explains the early success? Our team-based approach to case planning and service delivery ensures that young adults receive the right service at the right time. Moreover, connecting peer staff with young adults, many of whom are wary of engaging with providers, breaks down barriers to long-term participation.