In an effort to learn more about workforce supports for system-involved young people, researchers from the Urban Institute identified programs that were using effective strategies to help system-involved individuals avoid detention or incarceration and find employment. Through data collection efforts, our team was able to gain a practitioner perspective on the role strategic partnerships play in supporting workforce programs and the importance of establishing relationships with employers.

Interviewees emphasized that building strong relationships with employers and addressing policy barriers are crucial for increasing stable job opportunities for system-involved young people. Drawing from our findings, this summary discusses lessons learned about engaging with employer partners and recommendations for future policy and practice.

This is one of four publications developed using findings from Urban Institute’s multiphase study on community-based workforce development programs for youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 involved in the criminal legal system. The purpose of this second phase of Urban’s study was to learn more about key partnerships and funding strategies of community-based workforce development programs serving system-involved young people. Other relevant publications from this phase of the study are as follows:

• Bridging the Employment Gap for System-Involved Young People: Exploring the Impacts of Strategic Partnerships
• Maximizing Funding and Workforce Supports for System-Involved Young People: Insights and Strategies for Policy and Practice
• Maximizing Funding, Partnerships, and Workforce Supports for System-Involved Young People: Study Background, Methodology, and Overall Findings