Pathways
A Juvenile Diversion Program
for Talladega County
"The Pathways program helped us in so many ways. When we need to talk about problems we handle them a lot better. It has helped MK at school. He hasn’t been in trouble anymore, and he is more focused on his grades. I believe that Pathways has aided MK in maturating into a better person. I really appreciate his case worker. She really guided MK in the right direction and also was very supportive to me. This program was a life saver of the both of us. Forever grateful."
- Mrs. C
Outcomes
2015-2020
The primary goal for Pathways: A Juvenile Diversion Program for Talladega County is to reduce commitments to the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and to assist youth with successful completion of the terms of their court orders.
Total results from 2015-2019:
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In 2015, Talladega County had 63 DYS commitments.
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Pathways began April 2016.
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In 2018, Talladega County Had 26 DYS commitments.
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A decrease of 58% since 2015.
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In 2019, Talladega County had 30 DYS commitments.
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An increase of 15% for the county for the year.
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A decrease of 52% for DYS commitments from 2015 to 2019.
In 2020, Pathways has served 23 youth. Five of the youth were high school seniors, all five graduated from high school. Three of these are enrolled in college, and one is accepted in the Alabama Power Training for the fall. Six of the youth are employed.
History
In 2015, SAFE partnered with The Honorable M. Ryan Rumsey, Juvenile Judge of Talladega County, to submit a grant to the Alabama Department of Youth Services. SAFE was awarded this grant and began serving the youth of Talladega County in April 2016. The primary goal for Talladega County’s Pathways: A Juvenile Diversion Program for Talladega County is to reduce commitments to the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and to assist youth with successful completion of the terms of their court orders. We are committed to prevent future delinquency (recidivism) by strengthening youth’s attachment to family and other prosocial individuals, increasing youth’s access to resources in the community and improving their chances to
prosper as productive citizens.
Program Staff
Debbie Adair, Program Manager
Kendra Chapman, Case Manager
Letetia Boles, Tutor
Denise Hatcher, Tutor
Phyllis Wesley, Case Manager
256-245-4343
Success Story
A seventeen year old male was referred to the SAFE Pathways Diversion Program having been charged with domestic violence against his father. He was held in detention for several weeks prior to activation of the referral to Pathways due to concerns regarding the dynamics of the relationship with the father and the safety issues related to violence in the home. The youth was being raised by his father due to a history of drug use by his mother. He had no relationship with his mother and only interacted with her via social media. While enrolled in the Pathways Juvenile Diversion program, the youth had a positive random drug screen and was sent to an inpatient substance abuse treatment facility. He had an altercation with staff while there and had his time extended. He continued in the Pathways Juvenile Diversion Program and successfully completed both drug treatment and Pathways. While participating in the Pathways program he received case management services as well as he and his dad completed the Turning Point classes. He graduated from high school on time and joined the US Navy where he continues to demonstrate success.