Findings from a Multi-Phase Workforce and Juvenile Justice Program Scan

• In Event: Improving Outcomes for Youth in the Juvenile Legal System: Status Offenses, Community Supervision, and Workforce Development

Abstract

Objective: Stable employment is associated with significant short-and long-term benefits for youth and young adults, but juvenile/criminal legal system involvement can create significant employment barriers. Engaging with supports in a community-based setting can help youth navigate and mitigate barriers by accessing support, meeting basic needs, and setting/meeting professional goals. Data/Methods: We conducted a two-phase project to (1) identify programs across the country using promising/effective strategies to help system-involved youth reduce detention/incarceration and gain essential skills/supports to access and retain employment through a literature review, survey, and virtual interviews, and (2) further examine four program sites using a document review, stakeholder interviews, and client focus groups, to explore successful partnerships and creative approaches to leveraging funding sources. Results: Providing flexible, holistic services that meet employment/career needs of system-involved youth requires designing programs intentionally, building/sustaining a supportive organizational infrastructure, and coordinating across a wide range of partners (e.g., employers and legal system stakeholders). Conclusion: Findings will inform community-based workforce service providers and their partners how to connect system-involved youth with supports needed to overcome barriers and succeed in employment and other areas of life. Additionally, we will inform the field of additional knowledge gaps and identify opportunities for future research/investment.

Authors

• Krista White, Urban Institute

• Arielle Jackson, Urban Institute

• Janine Zweig, Urban Institute