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 worked to develop better real-world models of aftercare throughout the project. Leaders in Pennsylvania focused on aftercare services, and worked to connect youth with the programs and services they need to adjust and succeed after leaving residential treatment. They integrated treatment plans with aftercare plans to assist youth in overcoming problems, building on their strengths, and acquiring essential living skills, and developed educational and employment programs to improve their life chances.
Through the coordination, planning, and delivery of essential programs and services, Models for Change developed models of aftercare that allow youth to make better choices and succeed. The tools, research, and innovations developed by Pennsylvania and other states working to improve aftercare services are available here.
Featured publications
Initiative tools, research, knowledge, and innovations to promote reform
-
Educational Aftercare & Reintegration Toolkit for Juvenile Justice Professionals, 2nd ed.
- Jun 30, 2009, Jennifer Lowman
- Youth who are adjudicated delinquent frequently encounter problems in obtaining appropriate education services in placement, as well as when they are released and reintegrated into their…
-
Building Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Aftercare Model: Probation Case Management Essentials for Youth in Placement
- Mar 31, 2008, Patricia M. Torbet
- Describes the development of a structured and thoughtful approach for implementing the probation-related goals of Pennsylvania's Joint Policy Statement on Aftercare, resulting in a model for…
-
Pennsylvania and MacArthur's Models for Change: The Story of a Successful Public-Private Partnership
- May 3, 2013, Robert G. Schwartz
- At the heart of the Models for Change story in Pennsylvania is the partnership between the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee…
-
Pennsylvania's Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy
- Apr 2, 2012, Juvenile Court Judges Commission
- The goals of Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) align with those of Balanced and Restorative Justice. JJSES seeks to reduce harm by applying the best-known…
-
Pennsylvania Progress: Preparing Youth for Productive Futures
- Jan 18, 2008, Patrick Griffin and Mary Humninen
- This issue of Pennsylvania Progress focuses on efforts to ensure that delinquent youth are educated, trained and connected with school and work opportunities. Pennsylvania Progress: A Juvenile…
More publications »
Leading organizations
Network partners advancing reforms and providing assistance, lessons, and support
- Juvenile Law Center
- (215) 625-0551
- National Center for Juvenile Justice
- (412) 227-6950
- National Juvenile Justice Network
- (202) 467-0864
More contacts »
Share
