Oklahoma Juvenile Second Chance Act Reentry Program

Oklahoma Juvenile Second Chance Act Reentry Program offers services to youth returning to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after out of home placements. The program's goal is to reduce recidivism rates for high-risk youth. The reentry program works in collaboration with the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) and Youth Services of Tulsa (YST)–a nonprofit, community based service provider in Tulsa. The primary program elements include pre- and post-release case management and intensive family services. A reentry case manager is assigned to each youth upon referral from OJA. Case managers visit youth once a month throughout placement and at least once a week following their release for up to six months. Pre-release visits focus on the youth's day-to-day experiences during placement and reentry planning, including anticipated barriers and challenges. Post-release visits focus on the youth's day-to-day experiences of returning home, reuniting relationships with friends and family, and navigating daily needs in the community, including obtaining identification cards and a driver's license and accessing educational and employment services. Case managers serve as mentors and counselors.