Because of their involvement with local youth through social services, health, education and juvenile justice systems, counties can play an integral role in improving outcomes for the young people they serve.
The latest brief in the National Association of Counties’ County Innovation in Youth Justice series highlights promising practices in probation and strategies that have proved successful in Michigan’s Wayne County.
“Counties play a critical role in youth probation implementation, with authority that can include determining when and how probation is imposed and managing day-to-day supervision, services and sanctions,” the brief states. “Youth probation (i.e., juvenile probation) is court-ordered supervision requiring young people to follow specific rules and conditions for a set period, which can range from months to years. While probation remains the most popular sanction in youth justice cases, many communities report that the compliance-based structure of probation does not lead to desired outcomes.”
According to the brief, the “traditional” form of probation can lead to increased rates of recidivism among youth and propel them deeper into the justice system.
To avoid these outcomes, some counties have begun implementing evidence-based practices and innovative initiatives to best support their communities. A few of those efforts include:
- Starting and/or expanding deflection/diversion programs, tracking their progress and changing models as needed
- Providing therapeutic interventions and reward systems that may motivate young people rather than sticking to punitive sanctions
- Assessing individuals’ risks/needs to reduce formal involvement in the justice system and find chances for diversion to services
In Wayne County, where community-based interventions have been prioritized since 2020, officials contract with an assessment center that acts as a single point of entry for youth referred to or engaged with the juvenile justice system. Within 24 hours of intake, a comprehensive needs and risk assessment is performed to ensure individuals are given the proper level of supervision and services. For one community agency within the system, benefits have included 92 percent of youth finishing all court-ordered requirements, such as displaying academic progress and performing community service.
The youth justice series’ primer outlines a county’s role in the youth justice system and gives a general overview of promising practices inspiring change in counties, such as:
- Bringing together experts from sectors like education, juvenile justice, child welfare and behavioral health to enhance resources and minimize gaps in supports
- Valuing the experiences of young people and hearing their perspectives via youth advisory councils or action boards
- Investing in strength-based initiatives like restorative justice or mentorship programs
- Exploring alternatives to detention/confinement
