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States Strategize to Keep Systemic Reform Efforts on Track

Community-based programs reduce the number of youth in secure placement, increase public safety and save taxpayers money. States can promote these alternative programs by changing their fiscal architecture and de-incentivizing state-funded secure care while encouraging counties to keep youth in less expensive, non-secure programming closer to home. Many of these reforms have become a target for state budget cuts this year.   Three states, all participants in the Models for Change initiative, have fought these cuts, allowing their programs to continue to improve the lives of youth, families and communities.   

Programs such as Redeploy Illinois, RECLAIM Ohio, and Youth Aids in Wisconsin were facing possible reductions to their resources—some up to half their funding.  As the fiscal crises continued to mount, state advocates and county officials have joined forces to maintain the programs that they say have improved outcomes for children, while benefiting communities. As other states work towards protecting funding for programs that work, Models for Change-involved states offer valuable lessons of success.

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