The harris countyjuvenile probation department proposes to implement the harris county opportunity center community based detention diversion program

The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department was awarded a $523,233 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (CFDA 16.540 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention) to implement the Harris County Opportunity Center Community Based Detention Diversion Program. The program aims to develop a comprehensive, trauma-informed community-based initiative that serves justice-involved youth with the goal of reducing racial and ethnic disparities in secure placements. Key program activities include establishing an evidence-based Multisystemic Therapy (MST) vocational coaching program, expanding program hours, increasing transportation support, and enhancing community-based internship placement and post-graduation care coordination. Expected outcomes include the provision of evidence-based services, reduced recidivism, and decreased disparities in detention for youth of color.

The purpose is todevelop a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, trauma-informed and best practices community-based program that serve young people with the goal of reducing racial/ethnic disparities in secured placement. Project activities include establishment of evidence-based MST trained vocational coaching program; expanded hours for program operation; increased support for transportation, increase connections with community-based internship placement to provide post-graduation care coordination. Program activities also includevocational skills training, academic training, job preparation, career exploration and planning, and skill-building services, including internships. Expected outcomes include the development of programming to meet the needs of a more diverse justice involved population, provision of evidence-based programs, reduction in recidivism and reduction in disparities in detention for young people of color.