TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY

2019-2025

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Emerging adults aged 17–24 face disproportionately high rates of criminal justice involvement and recidivism, with over 75% reoffending within three years. This population struggles with interconnected challenges including mental health issues, substance use disorder, trauma, housing instability, unemployment, and limited educational attainment. While traditional incarceration often exacerbates these underlying problems, research demonstrates that community-based interventions offer a more cost-effective and impactful alternative for supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

In response to this critical need, a community-based diversion program was launched in Williamson County, Texas in 2020 to serve felony defendants ages 17–24. The program provides intensive case management and individualized support plans as an alternative to incarceration, with successful completion resulting in felony expungement to reduce barriers to employment and housing. Distinctive features include its focus on felony charges (uncommon among diversion programs), prosecutor-initiated eligibility determination to ensure broad access, and close collaboration between criminal justice and community service providers through multidisciplinary decision-making. The program’s effectiveness is being rigorously evaluated through mixed methods research, including a randomized controlled trial with 146 participants, qualitative interviews, and cost-benefit analysis to assess outcomes across recidivism, employment, housing stability, and program costs.

MAIN FINDINGS

Compared to the control group, participants in the program were 35% less likely to be arrested after intake (p =.08) , with program graduates showing more improvement—48% less likely to be arrested, spending approximately 36 fewer days in jail, and 61% less likely to receive a felony charge. Nearly 80% of graduates experienced fewer misdemeanors and felonies overall. The first 200 days of program participation emerged as a critical period for establishing success trajectories.

Qualitative research revealed substantial individual and community-level impacts beyond arrest statistics. Participants reported increased sobriety, GED completion, stable employment, family reconnection, and improved self-esteem, with at least one participant noting the program saved their life. At the community level, the program strengthened public perception of the justice system as both compassionate and effective, inspired replication interest from other counties, and contributed to a broader cultural shift toward valuing rehabilitation over punishment. Success factors included supportive case management, strong relationships, life-skills training, and a balanced emphasis on both support and accountability—though barriers in housing, transportation, and counseling availability remain.

The program shows potential cost-effectiveness, with an estimated cost of approximately $10,000 per participant offset by savings from reduced jail days, fewer arrests, lower supervision costs, and decreased state prison placements. Cost projections indicate positive net savings of $1,000–$2,200 per participant annually in most scenarios. Beyond these fiscal calculations, the program generates substantial societal benefits including saved lives, reduced trauma, and positive intergenerational effects that, while difficult to quantify, likely represent significant additional value.

A summary of the evaluation is included in the downloadable materials.