Introduction 

June marks National Returning Adult Month, a time to reflect on the journeys of individuals reentering society after incarceration—and to recognize the critical role that communities, organizations, and mentors play in supporting successful reintegration. While much of the national conversation focuses on adults, this month also offers a powerful opportunity to spotlight the unique needs of justice-involved youth and the resources available to help them thrive. 

Why Youth Reentry Matters 

In Texas, thousands of young people interact with the criminal justice system each year. Many face barriers to education, employment, housing, and mental health care upon release. Without strong support systems, these youth are at risk of recidivism, disconnection, and long-term marginalization. 

But there is hope—and momentum. 

Recent initiatives like the Second Chance Act and state-level reentry programs are helping to bridge the gap between confinement and community. These programs fund partnerships between justice agencies, behavioral health providers, and community-based organizations to deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based support for youth and adults alike. 

An overview of Second Chance Act Programs can be found on the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) website. Link: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/sca-programs/overview. 

What’s Working in Texas 

Across the state, organizations are stepping up to meet the needs of returning youth. Some promising practices include: 

1. Youth-centered reentry planning that begins before release and includes family engagement.
2. Peer mentorship programs that connect returning youth with others who have successfully navigated reentry. 
3. Wraparound services that address housing, education, mental health, and employment in a coordinated way. 
4. Youth-adult partnerships, like those supported by Texas Youth Action Network (TYAN), empower young people to co-create solutions and advocate for their futures. Cafe Momentum, a former TYAN Community Partner, has spent ten years working with justice involving youth. They have expanded into multiple states and provide paid internships to youth who work in restaurants to help them become leaders in their homes. Check out their website at https://cafemomentum.org/ to learn more about how you can help youth excel in their communities. 

Resources You Can Use 

If you work with youth in Texas, here are some key resources to explore upon reentry: 

• Texas Reentry Resource Directory: A comprehensive guide to local reentry services across major Texas cities, including employment, housing, and mental health support. Link: https://reentryessentials.org/pages/texas-resources.

• US Probation and Pretrial Services for the Northern District of Texas: Offers guides, reentry preparation manuals, and sources for funding opportunities to support the reentry. Link: https://www.txnp.uscourts.gov/content/reentry-resourcesinformation#State/Local. 

• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice: Provides a three-phased reentry program designed to prepare offenders for a successful return to the community after release. Link:  https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/rrd/reentry_program.html. 

• U.S. Department of Justice: Provides a Roadmap to Reentry. Link: https://www.justice.gov/reentry/file/844356/dl?inline. 

• U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Prevention Programs: Has published Reentry Starts Here: A Guide for Youth in Long-Term Juvenile Corrections and Treatment Programs. Link: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/pubs/251193.pdf. 

Call to Action: Be the Bridge 

At TYAN, we believe that every young person deserves a second chance—and a strong support system to make the most of it. Whether you’re a mentor, educator, case manager, or community leader, your role as a caring adult is vital. 

This month, we invite you to: 

• Host a conversation about youth reentry among members of your organization or community. The Youth Law Center suggests that community members “Brainstorm ideas for social contacts, coping mechanisms, and help develop a stress management plan with clear actions and important contacts for every youth. The Center for Parent and Teen Communication provides an example plan.”i This link takes you to an interactive website that guides you in creating individualized stress management plans. Link: https://parentandteen.com/teen-stress-management-plan/.
• Connect with a local reentry program and explore partnership opportunities. For example, Texas Reach Out Ministries provides faith-based reentry support and a curated list of statewide resources for returning citizens. Link: https://texasreachout.org/. 

Together, we can build a Texas where returning youth are not just welcomed back—but empowered to lead.

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i Youth Law Center. “Youth Returning to the Community from Juvenile Justice Facilities: A Guide for Advocates.” Page 14. Accessed June 11, 2025. https://ylc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/YLC-Juvenile-Justice-Reentry-Checklist.pdf.