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Reentry and Recidivism of Young Men of Color: Charting a New Course

Reentry and Recidivism of Young Men of Color: Charting a New Course. Sandra Edmonds Crewe, PhD, MSW Howard University School of Social Work July 25, 2005 Joint Center Health Policy Institute- Dellums’ Commission Better Health Through Stronger Communities:

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Reentry and Recidivism of Young Men of Color: Charting a New Course

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  1. Reentry and Recidivism of Young Men of Color: Charting a New Course Sandra Edmonds Crewe, PhD, MSW Howard University School of Social Work July 25, 2005 Joint Center Health Policy Institute- Dellums’ Commission Better Health Through Stronger Communities: Public Policy Reform to Expand Life Paths of Young Men of Color Howard University, Washington, DC

  2. Stemming the growing tide of recidivism for young males of color • requires acceptance and recognition of the systemic and individual dimensions of the problem; and • the belief (supported by actions) that young men of color can succeed on the “outside.”

  3. Disproportionality • In every state in the country (except Vermont) the minority population of detained youth exceeded their proportion in the general population • In 30 out of 50 states (83% of US population), minority youth represented the majority of youth in detention • Aggregate national and individual data show that racial and ethnic disparities increase in every stage of the criminal justice process - starting with the juvenile justice system

  4. Understanding the Problem

  5. Recidivism • Large percentages of serious juvenile offenders continue to commit crimes and reappear in the juvenile justice system.” (Krisberg, 1997) • The rate of recidivism is higher the younger the defender is when released…In one study it was found that 80% of youth under 18 as compared to 43% of persons 45 and older were rearrested. (Langan & Levin, 2002)

  6. Contributors to Recidivism • Punishment vs. Rehabilitation Focus • Inadequate Assessments • Inappropriate Placements • Children as adults • Healthy with unhealthy • Inappropriate and Toxic Interventions • Inadequate family and community support • Planned Failure “You often come out a better criminal”

  7. Reentry • Reentry focuses on the return of the juvenile offender to the community. • “Research demonstrates that any gains made by juvenile offenders…quickly evaporate following release because youth are released back to unorganized communities where it is easy to slip back into old habits….”(Deschenes & Greenwood, 1998).

  8. Reentry Problems • Inappropriate transition/reentry plan • Inadequate family support and resources • Lack of Community Acceptance – NIMBYISM • Ineffective Community Resources-Aftercare • Untreated substance use and mental health problems • No Work • Lack of Protective Factors “The only people who welcome you back are those who got you there.”

  9. The System Entered age of 15 for stolen vehicle Rearrested at 16 for possession of marijuana Five months in detention center 12 months in residential treatment The Warning Signs Alcoholic father Domestic violence in home 10th grade education Early Recidivism BJ’s Assessment Horrible No one cared BJ’s Story “There is no education,…no one has your best interest at heart, and my juvenile PO [probation officer] didn’t take me serious…No real work is being done.”

  10. BJ’s Advice “ [The system] must take a chance on youth...and show them that they have their best interest at heart. Show them sincerity and patience. Juveniles can be easily influenced. They can be influenced to do the right things by positive people.” Appropriate Treatment Support & Dignity Family Professional Counselors

  11. Charting a new course • Focus on rehabilitation and education using various venues • Involving family from beginning to end • Building infrastructure for community support- Community Asset Mapping • Engage professional support • Reinforcing mutual responsibility • Strengthening reentry practices and programs • Closing paths of entry- invest in prevention

  12. We can and must do better. This presentation was based upon a paper commissioned by the Joint Center Health Policy Institute Walter N. Hagins, MSW and Dwight C. Crewe, MSW were contributors. They are 1999 alumni of the Howard University School of Social Work and concentrated in the Criminal Justice Field of Practice. Both have professional forensic social work experience. Contact Information: secrewe@howard.edu 202-806-7300

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