A means to facilitate transition. Although the methods for doing so differ, each program facilitates offenders' transition from the institution to the community. For example, the GROWTH program uses a series of stepdown activities that begin prior to release from confinement or intensive day treatment and continue during the high-risk 30–60 days after release. Other mechanisms used to modulate community reentry include early parole planning, routine institutional visits by aftercare case managers, and other stepdown structures and procedures.
Use of assessment and classification instruments. With the exception of TOYC, each program uses an assessment and classification system to pinpoint appropriate program participants and to identify their needs. The IAP project in Denver, for instance, uses a standard battery of educational and psychological assessment instruments to develop individualized case plans. The Bethesda Day Treatment Center initiates its program with a needs assessment interview and a treatment evaluation. Project CRAFT requires youth to enter a 2-week assessment stage before the training period to evaluate their motivation and interest in the construction industry.
Individualized case planning. Five of the six programs (the exception is TOYC) use an individualized case planning system to provide appropriate treatment options. For example, the FEI program requires case managers to meet during the initiation phase to establish an individualized treatment plan and assign specific work projects. The Bethesda Day Treatment Center formulates and tailors treatment plans to the specific needs of each youth. At the beginning of treatment and at the beginning of each 3-month period thereafter, the center staff chart a therapeutic direction through the use of short-term goals and the appropriate units of service.
Use of rewards and sanctions. Five of the six programs (the exception is Project CRAFT) employ a system of rewards and sanctions to punish inappropriate behavior and to encourage positive behavior. For instance, the FEI program consists of three graduated phases based on restrictiveness, and progression through the phases is guided by points earned for positive behavior. The TOYC program also uses a point system to provide positive reinforcement. TOYC youth have the opportunity to earn special privileges such as home passes, off-campus activities, special recreational opportunities, and salaried employment. The IAP models offer another example of a rewards and sanctions system. Both the Nevada and Virginia IAP models use rather elaborate systems that involve classifying various behaviors or infractions into multiple tiers and specifying the types of rewards and sanctions that are considered appropriate to each tier.
Links to community treatment services. All of the aftercare programs provide links to community treatment services. The cornerstone of Project CRAFT is its partnership with private juvenile corrections facilities, juvenile judges, juvenile justice system personnel, education agencies, community-based organizations, and other human services agencies. The community link component is also vital to the Bethesda Day Treatment Center and TOYC. The Bethesda Day Treatment Center connects youth to virtually every local agency that serves youth interests. The TOYC aftercare program provides each youth with an individual aftercare worker who links him to a variety of community resources to ensure a continuity of services. GROWTH aftercare staff also work to connect program participants to formal and informal family, neighborhood, and community support, eventually decreasing structured aftercare supervision.
Combination of intensive supervision and treatment. Providing a mix of supervision options is another hallmark of each aftercare system. For example, the IAP model creates a wide-ranging and balanced mix of interventions designed to control offender risk and to address offender needs. The IAP projects in Colorado, Nevada, and Virginia all provide enhanced, IAP-specific programming during the institutional and aftercare phases and create a blend of control and treatment strategies during aftercare. The FEI program also provides an excellent mix of supervision and treatment services. After release from the Last Chance Ranch, youth receive at least four contacts per week from an FEI community coordinator and frequent calls from their case managers, and they must adhere to a strict curfew. In addition, FEI coordinators actively help youth gain admission to school or employment and help them secure services or benefits. This support system continues for 6 months, until the youth graduate from the program.
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