Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the appropriation and transfer of funds within the Reimaging Safety subfund to the Workforce Development of Central Ohio for the workforce development portion of Unleashing Potential (UP) court program in Franklin County Municipal Court Judge D’Varga’s courtroom. The UP program will provide transformative justice for potential emerging adults who have come into contact with our justice system and are at risk for continued criminal behavior due to lack of resources and a support system.
Emerging adults, defined as individuals transitioning from childhood to adulthood between the ages of 18 and 25, are in an age category where cognitive skills and emotional intelligence continues to develop. While emerging adults make up ten percent of the U.S. population, in Ohio, emerging adults represented 18% of total arrests in 2016. Nationwide, emerging adults represent 29% of arrests.
Individuals in this age bracket can naturally age out of criminal activities as their cognitive skills develop when they are provided the support and opportunities necessary to become independent, productive members of their communities.
UP is intended for justice-involved individuals’ age 18-25 years, with a moderate-high risk of recidivism and high level of criminogenic needs. Eligibility will be based on the nature and type of charges filed, as well as that defendant’s prior criminal history. Charges generally must be non-violent in nature, but cases will be considered on a case by case basis. The program would provide health and behavioral health services/trauma informed care, parenting services/support, successful navigation of public assistance programs, drivers licensing and transportation assistance, education and workforce development utilizing Workforce Development of Central Ohio’s AMP (Achieve More & Prosper) program, safe stable, affordable housing, and family/community support.
Participation in the program is usually one year ...
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