Rangarajan, NandhiniUpshaw, Denise2021-09-202021-09-202021-08Upshaw, D. (2021). A model assessment tool for a comprehensive youth reentry and reintegration strategy: A case study of the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department's SOAR Reentry Court Program. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.https://hdl.handle.net/10877/14508An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Summer 2008.This research focuses on maximizing the effectiveness and outcomes of juvenile reentry and reintegration, by compiling components that comprise an ideal model for a juvenile reentry and reintegration strategy serving the target population. First, a preliminary model was developed using scholarly and practical literature that revealed four components: parent engagement and support, case management, youth motivation, and accountability measures. Next, a case study was conducted on the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department’s “Strengthening Opportunities for Achieving Reentry” (SOAR) Reentry Court program – comparing SOAR’s program components against the literature’s ideal type components. SOAR’s program administrators gave input via focused interviews about the structure and makeup of their program. Additionally, direct observations were conducted of SOAR court hearings to witness the use of these strategies. Next, the data gathered concluded that SOAR’s components mostly aligned with the preliminary model. However, with strengthening subcomponents under parent engagement and support and accountability measures, SOAR would be fully aligned with the literature. Furthermore, a new component emerged: Nonprofit Organization Support. Juvenile justice agencies can refer to this model when creating or enhancing juvenile reentry strategies for youth experiencing the juvenile justice system. Finally, a recommendation was made for SOAR administrators to strengthen the accountability measures component because it lacked significant evidence.Text115 pages1 file (.pdf)enjuvenile reentryjuvenile justicejuvenile reentry courtyouth motivationyouth accountabilitypositive youth developmentmodel programApplied Research Project