Community Assisted Reentry (CAR) is a voluntary program available to young people without parole obligations for up to 12 months of support to transition back into their communities successfully following release from JR. In 2021, the legislature provided funding for the “Community Support for all Young People” Decision Package, that featured community transition and reentry services. With this funding, Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) hired six regional specialists dedicated to building relationships in communities with resources about mental health, housing, transformational mentors, faith-based info, and local communities to connect young people with resources. Staff also became trained in a family-based and relational approach model to work with people who may be hesitant.
Since this is a voluntary program, staff had the challenge of engaging a new population of young people with no obligation to work with them. CAR specialists started building relationships with youth within JR before they were released, allowing staff to share resources and tools.
When speaking about the CAR program, a 16-year-old female released from Echo Glen Children’s Center said, “It gave me someone to lean on and know that someone was behind me and there was someone I could call if I needed help... My parents didn’t really help me build my life up and give me the tools I needed to be me and live a better life, and you guys did.”
Although many young people initially said no, many reached out for help remembering the program and staff when they faced barriers to success upon release.
A previous resident at Green Hill School shared, “If I didn’t find CAR, I would not be where I’m at right now and most likely would be back in jail.” His CAR specialist helped him learn to budget and assisted with grocery purchases when funds were tight, assisted with transportation needs, and provided financial and scheduling support for getting a driver’s license.
CAR provides a connection to communities and assistance, removing barriers to those without obligations. With the program in operation, we have seen participation across the state with various services. In fact, young people are now sharing the program with their peers, urging them to make use of this program to help ensure their success in the future.