Youth C.A.N

The Youth C.A.N (Create a New Beginning) Program will serve post-adjudication moderate to high-risk youth under 18 who are placed in a juvenile residential facility in Harris County, TX. The goal of Youth C.A.N is to reduce recidivism and improve public outcomes for justice-involved youth. The core inputs of the program design include: screening and assessment; intensive wraparound case management for moderate to high-risk youth who live in a poverty zip code; vocational and transition services; mentorship matching; and, community partnerships and training, including a racial justice training and a training on offender and victim issues. The program is divided into three phases: pre-release, post-release, and a 6-12 month follow up phase. Using trauma-informed and culturally relevant practices, the Youth C.A.N program supports all aspects of a youths’ life ranging from educational to family-related needs. Youth and their families will receive family support through a variety of approaches that will enhance relationships and increase protective factors. Through strong partnerships, including Harris County Juvenile Probation Department and multiple community providers, the program aims to reduce recidivism among participating youth.