Community-Based Mentoring to Reduce Delinquency
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County
4/1/2022-3/30/2023
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County (BBBS) Community-Based Mentoring Program will expand access to mentoring to 151 youth ages 10-16 in the Dane County area (57% increase from 2021). To reduce their likelihood of justice involvement, we aim to enhance youth's social-emotional wellbeing and develop aspirations for their future through meaningful mentoring experiences in out Community-Based Mentoring Program. Current enrollment capacity will grow by 27% (increase from 119 new Matches to 151 new Matches) as we invest in personnel, process improvements, and quality Match Support. These investments will 1) drive increased volunteer recruitment, 2) accelerate child and volunteer enrollment, and 3) create more impactful mentoring. As a result, BBBS expects youth in the program to experience the following measurable outcomes:
- Avoidance of risky behaviors
- Higher educational expectations for the future
- Social acceptance
- Parental and family trust
Breaking the Cycle Youth Mentoring
City of Madison Police Department
4/1/2022-8/31/2023
The Madison Police Department, working in partnership with RISE Wisconsin, Inc., will provide youth mentoring to siblings of system-involved juveniles in the Breaking the Cycle wraparound program in Madison, Wis. Our goal is to break the cycle of youth from the same families committing crimes. Following a behavioral screening (SDQ) of the youth’s strengths and difficulties, a collaborative goal will be identified that will shape skill development and growth during mentoring sessions. The same screener will be completed upon completion of the program to document progress.
Policing the Teen Brain Trainer Workshop
A train-the-trainer workshop for 25 officers, providing scientific and evidence-based information and practical strategies was conducted to meet the varying needs of officers working with youth, making interactions with youth less conflicted and more compliant. Officers learned to assert authority effectively with youth with reduced reliance on force and arrest, recognizing and responding appropriately to youth presenting mental health and addiction issues. MPD officers will also teach other officers, future recruit classes, as well as other partner agencies’ staff, such as libraries and parks and community centers. The adolescent behavior training will provide benefits to MPD and the larger community for years to come.
Community/System Reexamination of Juvenile Justice
This cross-collaborative project created a coalition of juvenile justice, law enforcement, and other key criminal justice stakeholders to intentionally focus on disparities and develop more positive outcomes for all of Dane County’s youth. Additional accomplishments included building trust and deepening relationships, creating greater openness and receptivity between policy and residents who have experienced traumatic interactions with law enforcement. A final report was created and utilized to guide future county work and funding.