Aftercare

Post-release services, supervision and supports that help committed youth transition safely and successfully back into the community

Without quality aftercare—the kind of post-release supervision, services and supports that young people need to make safe and successful transitions out of residential placement facilities and back to their home communities—the estimated 100,000 young people leaving juvenile institutions each year face failure, recidivism, and more incarceration. Unfortunately, quality aftercare is in short supply nationally.

The Models for Change initiative is working to develop better real-world models of aftercare throughout the project. Pennsylvania has selected aftercare as a targeted area of improvement and is working to connect youth with the programs and services they need to adjust and succeed after leaving residential treatment. The state is integrating treatment plans with aftercare plans to assist youth in overcoming problems, building on strengths, and acquiring essential living skills, and developing educational and employment programs to improve their life chances.

Through the coordination, planning and delivery of essential programs and services, Models for Change is developing models of aftercare that allow youth to make better choices and succeed.

Reform Progress

Calcasieu Sets Standards for Juvenile Justice: Aug 29, 2010, Louisiana Models for Change
Reforming Juvenile Justice in Pennsylvania: Aug 3, 2010, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Behavior Strategists Help Students in Tough Times: Mar 15, 2010, Louisiana Models for Change (courtesy of Karina Donica)

More Reform Progress Items »

Newsroom

Stolen Futures - Seventeen: 8/31/2010 by The Chicago Reporter; by Angela Caputo
Editorial: Recommit to Serving Troubled Teens: 8/3/2010 by The Daily Herald
ISBA President Will Work on Juvenile Justice Reform: 7/22/2010 by Chicago Daily Law Bulletin; by Mark D. Hassakis

More News Items »

Publications

Washington State Models for Change Newsletter-July 2010: Hello from Benton/Franklin Counties Models for Change! We hope this issue…
Pennsylvania Juvenile Collateral Consequences Checklist - Poster: The purpose of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Collateral Consequences Checklist…
Juvenile Court Training Curriculum, 2nd Ed.: Intended for juvenile court judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and…

More publications »

Contacts

TeamChild: (206) 322-2444
Defender Association of Philadelphia: (267) 765-6685
Pa Commission on Crime and Delinquency: (717) 705-0888
Pa Council of Chief Juvenile Probation Officers