This measure shows the percent of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) Secure Care youth who were employed or enrolled in school when leaving JJYS Secure Care custody, for specified State Fiscal Year Quarters. JJYS enrollment and employment/education notes are collected through the JJYS case management information system.

Results for this measure are updated quarterly, within 60 days after the end of each quarter. Since JJYS Workers are given up to 45 days after the youth is released from Secure Care to put a note on the youths' record, this reporting schedule allows for the record to appropriately update.

Education and employment are vital protective factors shown to reduce recidivism among youth. To facilitate the successful transition of young people leaving care, Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) provides employment, education, and transition specialists. These professionals offer necessary tools and resources to help youth pursue educational goals or secure employment.

JJYS collaborates with local businesses and educational institutions to establish pathways that enable youth to achieve self-reliance, boost self-esteem, and gain stability. By providing access to meaningful job opportunities and education—including college, trade schools, and certification programs—JJYS demonstrates a commitment to empowering these young adults to realize their full potential.

JJYS strives for a minimum of 95% of youth to have a job or be enrolled in their education when they leave secure care, to assist in stabilizing them during their reentry into the community. While JJYS is actively engaged in this work, some of these efforts are new and continue to be developed and implemented statewide.
The landscape of youth employment opportunities has undergone significant fluctuations over the last year, marked by a notable downturn followed by a promising upswing. This dynamic shift is not only a testament to the resilience of programs but also reflects the critical partnerships and initiatives that have been developed to support youth.

Last December, the organization faced a considerable challenge with the unexpected loss of a long-time employment coordinator who had cultivated numerous partnerships with local businesses in the Weber and Davis areas. This loss, combined with an inadequate ventilation system at the Decker Lake Youth Center welding shop and ongoing struggles to implement vocational programming at Slate Canyon Youth Center, contributed to a stagnation in the transition of youth from secure facilities into meaningful employment opportunities. The culmination of these factors resulted in a significant downturn for youth, finding limited pathways to employment.

However, the tide began to turn as the challenges were addressed head-on. Initially, focus was on transitioning individuals into positions at the Millcreek facility. Concurrently, the ventilation system at the Decker Lake facility was upgraded, which allowed for the doubling of the capacity of the Welding program. This upgrade not only enhanced the learning environment but also significantly increased student participation in vocational training, laying a critical foundation for future employment.

With the launch of vocational programming at Slate Canyon, improvements began to appear. Old partnerships were reestablished, while new collaborations emerged, expanding the network of businesses willing to hire youth. Employment coordinators, now operating at full capacity, were able to shift focus toward securing vocational certificates and nurturing relationships with employers. As a result, a revitalization in employment opportunities for youth exiting secure facilities was observed.

The partnership with Apprenticeship Utah introduced innovative pathways for youth. Currently, a pilot program is running at the Decker Lake facility, with five individuals actively participating. This initiative emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world experience, ensuring that youth acquire skills and secure jobs before leaving the facilities.