The Youth Advocate Programs Policy and Advocacy Center has released “Safely Home.” This report highlights cost-effective, community-based alternatives to incarceration for high-needs youth. Some key findings:
- More than 8 of 10 youth remained arrest-free and 9 of 10 were at home after completing their community-based programs.
- Intensive programs based in the community can serve 3 to 4 youth safely for the same cost as incarcerating one child.
The report details elements of effective community-based alternatives, including individualized services, cultural competence, positive youth development, safety and crisis planning, and no reject/no eject policies that promote unconditional caring.
Population of focus: Incarcerated and high-risk youth
Links to resource:
- Safely Home – Full Report (pdf)
- Safely Home – Executive Summary (pdf)
- The Safely Home Campaign website
Date: 2014
Organization: Youth Advocate Programs Policy and Advocacy Center