Valerie A. Arkoosh

The Reform Alliance's 'WORK MATTERS' initiative focuses on creating a talent pipeline by aligning probation, workforce development, and trades. This strategic plan aims to transform supervision through advocacy, culture change, and programs to facilitate stable employment for individuals exiting the justice system. Key priorities include implementing pilot programs in conjunction with American Job Centers and probation offices, advocating for policy reforms in technical violations, supervision conditions, and occupational licensing, and promoting legislative changes like the Safer Supervision Act. The intended outcomes are to reduce recidivism, enhance economic stability, decrease correctional costs, and address labor shortages by providing clear pathways to work and well-being.

This strategic plan outlines the direction for the Sample County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) with a focus on improving resources and services for justice-involved individuals. Key priorities include enhancing inter-agency data sharing, implementing evidence-based practices, ensuring access to housing, treatment, and employment, and providing a coordinated network of referral and support services. The plan aims to reduce incarceration cycles, expand cross-training, and support individuals through pre-trial supervision and case management, ultimately working towards effective system-wide integration, prevention, diversion, and successful reentry.

This document outlines a strategic model to address the competency crisis in Allegheny County through the development and implementation of an Innovative Local Mobile Treatment Model, specifically the Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST). The plan aims to reduce incarceration and wait times for competency restoration services by providing multidisciplinary clinical treatment and psychoeducational support across various settings, including jail and community. Key objectives involve fostering local competency restoration services to reduce incarceration, establishing partnerships with stakeholders, and detailing the MCRST's planning and implementation. Anticipated outcomes include increased post-release engagement with mental health treatment, enhanced capacity for non-carceral restoration, and significant cost savings, with implementation commencing in March 2025 and a full launch by June 2025, leading to Medicaid billing by 2026.

The Commission meeting covered a wide range of administrative and financial topics, including updates on federal funding conditions for victim service providers, the 2026-2030 Strategic Framework, and state budget investments in public safety programs. Key actions included the approval of various grant applications, such as federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds, Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) continuations, State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) funds, State Opioid Response Grant funds, and funding for children's advocacy centers and county adult probation and parole initiatives. Additionally, the commission approved augmentations to First Chance Trust Fund programs and revised policies for the First Chance Trust Fund and the Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board.

The 2025 Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Plan, developed by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, outlines strategic priorities to improve the state's juvenile justice system. It reaffirms the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, emphasizing community protection, victim restoration, and youth redemption, and prioritizes the inclusion of youth voices. Key focus areas include addressing youth gun involvement and mental health needs, enhancing system capacity, championing prevention programs, advancing equitable system reforms, and strengthening cross-system collaboration for comprehensive youth support.