TA S K F O RC E R E P O RT

REDUCING JUVENILE RECIDIVISM IN ALABAMA

JUVENILE RECIDIVISM IN ALABAMA

• 66% of juveniles released from Alabama detention centers were incarcerated again within two years• Nearly half returned to

state custody multiple times• Longer times in

detention increase risk for adult incarceration

JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM EFFORTS

• High rate of incarceration for non-violent offenses• Alabama Juvenile Justice Act of 2008• Community-based alternatives to reduce

incarceration rates

EARLY INTERVENTION STRATEGY

• Non-violent offenses often precede violent offenses• Multi-pronged early

intervention:• Target at-risk children• Decrease risk for offending• Decrease risk for repeat

incarceration

• Mental health and substance abuse

ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

• Traditional needs assessment focuses on what is wrong or missing• Asset-based

community development focuses on what is actually there

ABCD ASSET MAP

• Individuals: experience, gifts, abilities, desires, hopes, dreams• Associations: clubs, faith-based groups, sports

teams, ASPCA• Institutions: schools, police force, fire squad,

local government, health departments• Physical resources: land, buildings,

infrastructure • Economic resources: businesses, state health

insurance, grant funds, informal economic exchanges

ALABAMA: UNDERSTANDING REGIONAL DIFFERENCES

EDUCATION

MENTAL HEALTH

• Mental health services are difficult to obtain• 78% reside in a Mental

Health Professional Shortage Area • Limited public

understanding of mental illness

RELIGION

MEDIA ENVIRONMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Integrative strategies utilizing community assets• School programs• Faith community• Public health and health

care providers• Media outlets

REFERENCES