A New Path is a methodology developed by the Department of Public Security (DPS) to reduce juvenile recidivism and violence through a comprehensive approach, providing support to the youth in conflict with the law inside the juvenile facilities and in the communities, on the post-release. From 2015 to 2020, it was implemented in Jamaica, with the collaboration of the Trust for the Americas, and the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It addressed the challenges faced by young people in conflict with the law to successfully reintegrate into society, operating in all four juvenile centers of the country and in the communities, post-release.

Objectives ...

Results

  • 2,441 youth have received assistance through the project
  • 1,623 girls and boys successfully completed and received certification in a range of educational and vocational training, such as work readiness, life skills, classical music, yoga, animation, and aquaponics
  • More than 250 releasees and at-risk youth participated in the three editions of the Pitch It!: Learning and Investing in Your Future: 133 received extensive training in entrepreneurship during a one-week residence programme, 62 of which were  awarded micro-grants to start their own business
  • More than 150 releasees received job opportunities and apprenticeships through the project
  • More than 160 officers and staff of the Department of Correctional Services trained on strategies and tools to deal with challenging behaviour and to implement reintegration courses
  • Case management electronic system for the juvenile facilities of Jamaica developed and implemented
  • Construction of an outdoor sports court and renovation of space to accommodate classrooms in South Camp
  • Renovation of classrooms in Rio Cobre
  • Preliminary data shows a reentry rate to juvenile facilities of 4.62%
  • Staff has reported a reduced number of conflicts inside the facilities and a more conducive environment to the growing and learning of the youth

Beneficiary Countries

Bandera Jamaica
Jamaica

Activities

  • Development and implementation of a comprehensive reintegration curriculum for all juvenile facilities of Jamaica
  • Renovation and adaptation of infrastructure of the juvenile facilities to accommodate reintegration activities
  • Training-of-trainers of the staff of the Department of Correctional Services to provide proper care and attention to the youth in conflict with the law and to deliver reintegration activities
  • Offer of psychosocial support, vocational and educational courses, and behavior change activities to the remandees and offenders placed in juvenile facilities of Jamaica
  • Development and implementation of an electronic case management system for juvenile facilities of Jamaica
  • Offer of individualized post-release support to the youth exiting the juvenile facilities through the assignment of a case manager for at least 6 months after their release
  • Offer of vocational and economic opportunities post-release, including entrepreneurship training, micro-credit, and job placements

Strategic Partners

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
The Trust for the Americas
Department of Correctional Services of Jamaica
Ministry of National Security of Jamaica
Servicio Nacional de Menores de Chile (SENAME)
Correctional Services Canada
Tribunal de Justiça do Paraná

Implemented by

Department of Public Security (DPS)

News

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