1. TASK FORCE REPORT REDUCING JUVENILE RECIDIVISM IN ALABAMA

2. JUVENILE RECIDIVISM IN ALABAMA 66% of juveniles released from Alabama detention centers were incarcerated again within two years Nearly half returned to state custody multiple times Longer times in detention increase risk for adult incarceration

3. JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM EFFORTS High rate of incarceration for non-violent offenses Alabama Juvenile Justice Act of 2008 Community-based alternatives to reduce incarceration rates

4. EARLY INTERVENTION STRATEGY Non-violent offenses often precede violent offenses Multi-pronged early intervention: Target at-risk children Decrease risk for offending Decrease risk for repeat incarceration Mental health and substance abuse

5. ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Traditional needs assessment focuses on what is wrong or missing Asset-based community development focuses on what is actually there

6. ABCD ASSET MAP Individuals: experience, gifts, abilities, desires, hopes, dreams Associations : clubs, faith-based groups, sports teams, ASPCA Institutions : schools, police force, fire squad, local government, health departments Physical resources : land, buildings, infrastructure Economic resources: businesses, state health insurance, grant funds, informal economic exchanges

7. ALABAMA: UNDERSTANDING REGIONAL DIFFERENCES

8. EDUCATION

9. MENTAL HEALTH Mental health services are difficult to obtain 78% reside in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area Limited public understanding of mental illness

10. RELIGION

11. MEDIA ENVIRONMENT

12. RECOMMENDATIONS Integrative strategies utilizing community assets School programs Faith community Public health and health care providers Media outlets

13. REFERENCES