Resources
Youth.gov | Diversion Programs
Youth.gov is a federal government website, developed by the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP), that serves as a comprehensive resource for information on youth programs and services. Their Diversion Programs section provides information on programs that aim to divert youth away from the traditional juvenile justice system, offering them alternative paths that are more developmentally appropriate and effective. The section covers a range of diversion programs, including restorative justice, diversion courts, community service, and diversion programs for specific populations, such as LGBTQ+ youth and youth with mental health needs. The site also provides resources and tools for practitioners and policymakers who are interested in implementing diversion programs in their communities, as well as for youth and families who are seeking information on these programs.
Youth.gov is a federal government website, developed by the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP), that serves as a comprehensive resource for information on youth programs and services. Their Diversion Programs section provides information on programs that aim to divert youth away from the traditional juvenile justice system, offering them alternative paths that are more developmentally appropriate and effective. The section covers a range of diversion programs, including restorative justice, diversion courts, community service, and diversion programs for specific populations, such as LGBTQ+ youth and youth with mental health needs. The site also provides resources and tools for practitioners and policymakers who are interested in implementing diversion programs in their communities, as well as for youth and families who are seeking information on these programs.
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program is a state-level initiative in Wisconsin, USA. It is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, with the goal of reducing recidivism rates and incarceration costs by offering alternative treatment and diversion options for individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system. TAD provides funding and technical assistance to local jurisdictions to develop and implement evidence-based programs and practices that prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over punishment. The program focuses on individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, as well as veterans, women, and youth involved in the justice system.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Trauma Training for Criminal Justice Professionals is an online training program that offers guidance on the impact of trauma on the criminal justice system. The program is designed to provide criminal justice professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively address the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. The training covers a range of topics, including the effects of trauma on mental health, substance use disorders, and criminal behavior. The program is designed to be flexible and can be accessed at any time. It is available free of charge and is open to all criminal justice professionals, including law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and corrections staff.
The Transforming the System project aims to promote public understanding and policy change to transform the criminal justice system in the United States.
The project provides a range of resources, including research reports, issue briefs, and communications toolkits, to support advocates, policymakers, and other stakeholders in their efforts to promote criminal justice reform. The resources cover a range of topics, including police accountability, sentencing reform, and juvenile justice.
Through their work, Transforming the System seeks to shift the public discourse on criminal justice from punishment to rehabilitation and to promote policies that are equitable and just. Overall, the project is a valuable resource for anyone interested in promoting criminal justice reform and advancing social justice in the United States.
The Center on Media, Crime and Justice (CMCJ) is a think-tank based at John Jay College of Criminal Justice that aims to promote and improve the quality of reporting on criminal justice issues. The Center runs several programs, including The Crime Report, which provides news and analysis on criminal justice issues from around the world, and the Reporting Fellowship program, which supports in-depth reporting on justice and the law. The CMCJ also organizes symposiums, events, and seminars on criminal justice issues, bringing together journalists, policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to exchange ideas and promote informed debate on criminal justice reform.
https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/79309/TF-Publications-and-Resources.pdf
The Council of State Governments (CSG) has launched Reentry2030, an initiative that aims to reduce recidivism and improve reentry outcomes for people returning from prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities. The initiative focuses on advancing research and developing policy solutions to create more effective reentry systems. Take Action, a section of the Reentry2030 website, provides a list of ways individuals and organizations can take steps to support the initiative and improve reentry outcomes. This includes sharing information about successful reentry programs and policies, advocating for policy changes, and engaging with community organizations to support reentry initiatives.
The Systems Mapping Center (SMC) is a program developed by Policy Research Associates Inc (PRA) that provides a range of resources and tools to help policymakers and practitioners better understand and address complex social issues. The SMCs primary focus is on using systems mapping and analysis to identify the underlying drivers of social problems, and to develop innovative solutions that address those drivers. The SMC provides technical assistance, training, and other resources to support organizations in developing effective strategies and interventions that improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. The SMC is an important resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers who are seeking data-driven solutions to complex social problems.
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Stepping Up Initiative (SU) is a national effort aimed at reducing the number of people with mental illness in jails. The initiative provides counties with resources, support, and technical assistance to help them develop and implement strategies to achieve this goal. It is a collaborative effort between the CSG, the National Association of Counties, and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. The SU initiative provides a framework for counties to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop plans to reduce the number of people with mental illness in their jails. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of people with mental illness in jails and divert them to appropriate treatment and support services in the community.
The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program is a national initiative developed by Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) to increase access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and have a mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder. SOAR provides training, technical assistance, and support to service providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to help them navigate the SSI/SSDI application process and improve the likelihood of success. SOAR is an important resource for communities and organizations working to address homelessness and improve access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.