While the number of youths involved in the justice system and detained in residential settings has dropped significantly over the last two decades, recidivism as measured by various levels of reinvolvement with the justice system (e.g., rearrest, probation violations, reincarceration) is remains high for youth under the age of 21 who are in the system.1
The good news is that many youth who encounter the juvenile justice system will correct their behavior and avoid the system in the future. Yet there are youth who persist in criminal behavior and stay involved in the system, at great cost to their communities, their families and themselves.
In a recent 7-year study2, a few factors played a common role in rearrest rates for youth – the presence of mental health or substance use disorders and access to quality services to address their risks and needs. Mental health and substance use disorders can affect academic performance, relationships with adults and peers, and their behavior, while lacking access to services can prevent youth from addressing and changing negative patterns. If these issues can be addressed, officials believe recidivism rates for youth can be reduced. With the average state cost in 2019 to incarcerate a youth at almost $600 a day3, and the risk of youth incarcerated for sexual abuse, risk of suicide, and delayed development, community corrections agencies have a vested interest in new approaches.
Meeting the Challenge of Juvenile Justice Services
GEO Reentry offers evidence-based reentry services in community-based or in-custody settings for juveniles involved in the criminal justice system. These programs encourage cognitive skill-building and address individual risk factors, all while involving the family in treatment. Most importantly, service delivery is tailored for youth, known to be physically, emotionally, and cognitively different than adults.
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
GEO Reentry operates four Day Reporting Centers (DRCs) for justice-involved youth released to community supervision in Belleville, Decatur, Peoria, and Springfield. While the juvenile program model is based on the GEO Reentry framework for adult day reporting programs, it has been adapted to match the maturity and capabilities of youth. Participants report to a DRC, are involved in cognitive behavioral treatment, meet with case managers to develop individualized success plans, and are monitored for drug and alcohol use. Staff listen closely to the interests and aptitudes of the youth to connect them with appropriate educational or employment resources, be it a community college program, technical or vocational program, or work opportunities. The juvenile DRCs feature computer labs, conference/training rooms for group activities, and transportation for families visiting incarcerated loved ones statewide, job interviews, as well as other important appointments.
Merced County Probation Department
GEO Reentry partners with this central valley county agency in California to provide in-custody, evidence-based reentry programming for male and female juveniles between the ages of 12 and 24. Delivered to residents at the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex, services are designed to address the unique challenges that young participants face and to promote growth and successful reintegration. An individual success plan supports advancement through the four-phase program including treatment in substance use programs, individual and group cognitive behavioral treatment, family engagement and reunification, life skills, and transitional planning. Aftercare services are provided at the community-based Merced County DRC.
Kern County Probation Department
The Kern County Youth DRC provides a continuum of pre- and post-release services for justice-involved youth. Services begin in-custody to foster self-sufficiency and prepare participants for community return. An individual success plan guides treatment and training, including case management, motivational enhancement therapy, gang intervention strategies, substance use treatment, and more. Post-release services include Aftercare and enhancing individual strengths, offering guidance, and providing support within a positive community setting. GEO Reentry staff connect the youth with tools for work as needed, transportation, and connections to other local services.
Shasta County Probation Department
The Shasta County Juvenile Program operates within Shasta County Probations’ River’s Edge Academy located within the Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility. GEO Reentry provides individualized, assessment-based programming to assist the participants with long-term behavior change. Participants learn the life skills and coping mechanisms needed for successful community reintegration and the reentry programming and services target participants’ criminogenic needs. An individual success plan supports advancement through the four-phase program. Individual and group services are designed to establish self-sufficiency, develop positive attitudes, and guide successful transition to the community. Family-engaged case planning involves family members in the participant’s progress and supports communication. Individuals also participate in a restorative justice program.
Mendocino County Probation Department
GEO Reentry manages the Mendocino County Probation Youth Program for the agency, which refers youth ages 12 to 18 years old for evidence-based treatment within the Mendocino County Juvenile Hall and then later in the community. Participants are involved in one of three tracks: Gap, Link, or Bridge. Gap is a voluntary program for in-custody youth that offers responsive programming through interactive journaling in a group setting. Link is a mandated program for moderate- to high-risk in-custody youth that includes group programming, Individual Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (ICBT), and the development of an individual success plan. Bridge is mandated for moderate- to high-risk youth who have transitioned to the community and offers anger management, ICBT sessions, Juvenile Moral Reconation Therapy®, and the development of an individual success plan.
Contact your GEO Reentry Business Development Partner to discuss how we support your juvenile justice services.
[1] Youth Involved with the Juvenile Justice System | Youth.gov
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid