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“If you want to reduce recidivism, you have to focus on the people who want to recidivate”

Thursday, Jul 26, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller

READI is the Rapid Employment and Development Initiative, a radical new experiment from Heartland Alliance, an anti-poverty organization, that could change how Chicago communities treat violence.

Hand-picked by a unique violence-predicting algorithm as well as referrals from outreach workers and partners in the criminal justice system, READI participants are among the most likely to be shot or shoot someone in the city.

For 18 months, these extremely high-risk Chicagoans are given transitional jobs, cognitive behavioral therapy and legal and social services to help them pave a different future. Afterwards, they also receive an additional six months of coaching to help them find full-time work.

Conceived by researchers at the University of Chicago and based on the latest violence prevention research, READI has a four-year budget of $48.7 million funded by 11 groups including the MacArthur and Polk Brothers foundations.

The program is operating in four of the neighborhoods hardest hit by gun violence in the city: Austin, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Greater Englewood. Since its rollout in September of last year, more than 160 men have started working. Heartland expects to connect 500 men to jobs by spring of next year.

Go read the whole thing. Fascinating concept and a well-written story.

3 Comments

- JoanP - Thursday, Jul 26, 18 @ 10:42 am:
I saw that this morning. Another good program idea, like CRED that you highlighted the other day. Spending money on these sorts of programs, and decent job training in prisons along with other kinds of support, saves money in the long run. Wish more people got that.

- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Jul 26, 18 @ 11:03 am:
Excellent article. A coworker once said something like a country is like a ship, and the anchor of crime and other problems in low-income areas stops or slows the ship’s movement. I believe we as a country should prioritize helping the most vulnerable, especially those who’ve been given the shaft by historical and current racism that still has repercussions today.

- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Jul 26, 18 @ 1:32 pm:
Fascinating article and concept. Good to see Big Data used other than to make money. Wish them, and Block Club btw, great success.

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