Recommendations to Prevent System Involvement from Childhood to Reentry

• In Event: Transforming the Justice System: A Collaborative Approach to Improve Public Safety and Increase Fairness and Efficiency

Abstract

This paper reviews the underlying rationale for the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) in New York City. The City University of New York’s Institute for State and Local Governance (CUNY ISLG) conducted literature reviews in domestic violence, victim and witness services, substance use disorders and treatment, crime prevention, and reentry and diversion. In addition, ISLG conducted more than 200 interviews with community organizations, experts, and city personnel to learn about a) current gaps in domains intersecting with the justice system in NYC; b) impactful ideas to address those gaps; and c) best practices. This paper explores key policy recommendations for CJII and similar initiatives that emerged from this process, including emphases on:
1. Place-based approaches, i.e., delivered by local service providers who have ethno-cultural competence and local presence, and for some programs, portability and/or provision in the client’s home.
2. Service coordination to disrupt silos and provide appropriate wraparound support.
3. Awareness of and response to trauma among providers and justice system personnel.
4. Longer-term views of prevention, reentry, and treatment that are directed by client needs rather than funding cycles.
5. New and innovative approaches to increase cultural relevancy and to interrupt longstanding obstacles to success.

Authors

• Neal A. Palmer, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance

• Britney Mason, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance