JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Transition-age youth (18-25 years) intersecting with the criminal legal system face compounding challenges, including untreated behavioral health conditions and fragmented care systems. While the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) provides a diversion framework, few initiatives have been adapted for young adults through community engagement.

Objective:

Co-develop a youth-focused adaptation of the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) through a community-based participatory process. We engaged cross-sector stakeholders including individuals with lived experience to identify system gaps, barriers to diversion for transition-age youth (18–25), and generate actionable, community-driven strategies to strengthen equitable, developmentally responsive diversion pathways

Methods:

We conducted community-based participatory research in state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States using the Partnership Academy model to develop a youth-focused SIM. One virtual session brought together stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience, providers, and justice professionals. Using structured dialogue techniques, we mapped resources and gaps across six SIM intercepts.

Results:

While numerous programs exist (CHAMPS, CRT, ACE, CARES), effectiveness is limited by systemic barriers rather than service scarcity. Key findings included 984 trained crisis intervention officers with inconsistent availability, 30% family decline rates for diversion programs, absent behavioral health screening protocols, and surveillance-focused probation approaches. Stakeholders identified four collaboration priorities: data sharing infrastructure, shared accountability, standardized school partnerships, and centralized resource access.

Conclusions:

System fragmentation, not service scarcity, represents the primary barrier to effective diversion. Recommendations include developing youth-specific services for ages 18-25, implementing trauma-informed workforce development, establishing structured diversion protocols, and redesigning probation toward positive youth development. This community-engaged approach provides a stakeholder-driven roadmap for building equitable, developmentally responsive diversion systems.