Model and Strategy
The Safe Passages Law and Social Justice Pipeline is an alternative to the “School to Prison Pipeline” for Oakland youth of color. Wrap-around services, including academic support, case management and legal services, reintegrate participants into a school setting, increase their understanding of legal rights and provide introduction to social enterprise as a means of future economic self-sufficiency.
Oakland youth at risk of entering the Juvenile Justice System or low-level youth offenders are referred and recruited to the LSJP. They are assigned to a Life Coach who serves as the case manager and mentor. Life Coaches work with each participant to develop an Individual Diversion and Career Plan (IDCP) that maps participant milestones. Significant milestones include education, career, and life goals.
Impact
Re-integration into an educational setting (high school or GED program)
Completion of high school diploma or GED
Enrollment in community college, an industry recognized certificate program, internship and/or employment
Participation in social enterprise as worker, owner or both
Sealing of juvenile criminal records for qualifying participants.
Leadership
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Josefina Alvarado Mena
CEO