The Corner Health Center and Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office have joined forces to launch a pre-arrest deflection program to prevent young people from entering the criminal legal system.
The RAPID Program partnership designed by Corner Health allows sheriff's deputies to offer youth and young adults an alternative to arrest and a direct pathway to preventative resources.
DeGaryia Witten, Specialized Alternative-to-Sentencing Support Program Manager at Corner Health says the importance of early intervention with youth is critical.
"It was just a no-brainer when we were presented with this opportunity to create the Rapid Program, which is a three-track program that starts with intervention, with which is in the schools. And this gives us the opportunity to be able to help our youth who may be at risk of entering into the justice system."
Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer says prioritizing resources for young people is a critical part of their mission.
“Especially for young people that have been involved in our legal system. You know, our goal is to look more upstream and give them all the support they need to prevent them from even having that legal system contact in the first place.”
The program is designed for youth and young adults aged 12-25 who have engaged in low level offenses that may otherwise lead to arrest.
Participants receive the Corner Health Individualized Service Plan (ISP) ensuring a coordinated, wraparound approach.
You can hear our full interview on the RAPID Program partnership, Thursday on All Things Considered.
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