Managing Change: The King County Experience
Podcast Title: Youth Justice Transformation in Action
Episode: Managing Change: The King County Experience (ft. Robert Gant and Aaron Parker)
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Host: RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice
Introduction
In the episode titled "Managing Change: The King County Experience," the RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice delves into the transformative journey of King County, Washington's Juvenile Court Services. Hosts Jody Martin and John Toole engage with Robert Gant and Aaron Parker, Juvenile Court Services Managers, to explore how King County has successfully navigated substantial reforms within its youth justice system. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key strategies, challenges, and outcomes achieved through effective change management and leadership.
Backgrounds of the Leaders
Robert Gant shares his longstanding commitment to juvenile justice, originating from his early experiences in the 1990s. Working as a high school intern with after-school programs amidst the crack epidemic, Gant witnessed firsthand the struggles of youth entangled in systemic injustices. He reflects, “I always say for myself, I'm so blessed to have basketball because I was in the mix of everything” (04:10), underscoring his dedication to providing alternatives for at-risk youth.
Aaron Parker details his entry into juvenile justice through his first role post-graduation, conducting mental health assessments for youth in court. This foundational experience paved the way for his leadership role, focusing on therapeutic approaches that address the comprehensive needs of youth rather than mere punitive measures (05:26).
The Shift to a Therapeutic Model
Gant and Parker outline King County's strategic transition from a traditional, punitive juvenile justice system to a more balanced, therapeutic model. This shift emphasizes treating the underlying causes of criminal behavior through programs that support mental health and substance abuse recovery. They highlight the creation of the Juvenile Therapeutic Response and Accountability Court (JTRAC), which integrates therapeutic practices with judicial oversight to foster positive outcomes for youth and their families (00:51).
Challenges Faced
The transformation journey was fraught with significant challenges:
- Leadership Changes and Infrastructure Development: The departure of a key director and the construction of the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children Family Justice Center posed substantial hurdles (07:13).
- Pandemic Impact: Operating amidst the COVID-19 pandemic added layers of complexity, requiring adaptations to new health protocols and remote interactions (09:30).
- Workforce Resistance: Transitioning long-serving staff accustomed to traditional roles resistance to new therapeutic approaches. Gant notes the difficulty in balancing the pace of change with staff readiness, stating, “We had to put the pedal to the metal, which then exacerbated kind of the feelings that people were having around kind of the shift in the work” (09:30).
Leadership and Change Management Principles
Effective leadership was pivotal in steering the department through tumultuous changes. Gant emphasizes the importance of patience, inspiring a shared vision, and challenging existing processes to facilitate sustainable reform. He explains, “Patience is super important... inspiring a shared vision... challenging the process” (14:18).
Aaron Parker adds that co-laboring with staff was crucial. By involving staff in the development and implementation process, they ensured buy-in and ownership of the new initiatives. Parker states, “We were co-laboring with our staff from the beginning... sitting with us at the table to develop what that looks like” (12:39).
They employed change management principles and implementation science to build a robust infrastructure supporting continuous quality improvement (CQI) and quality assurance (QA), ensuring that reforms were both effective and adaptable (14:58).
The JTRAC Model
The Juvenile Therapeutic Response and Accountability Court (JTRAC) is structured around three main pillars:
- Early Screening and Assessment: Utilizing validated tools to identify the needs of youth and families upon entry into the system (19:35).
- Community-Centered Support: Establishing community-based programs and partnerships to provide holistic support beyond the courtroom (19:35).
- Positive Youth Justice: Focusing on growth-oriented case management and incentivizing positive behavior changes (19:35).
Parker explains that JTRAC was designed to be flexible and responsive, adapting to the specific needs of King County’s diverse population. “The needs of the youth and the family drive what that support looks like and that continues to be monitored on a regular basis” (19:35).
Impact on Youth of Color
A significant focus of King County's reforms is addressing and eliminating disparities affecting youth of color. Gant points out the importance of standardizing practices to ensure equitable treatment across all demographics, reducing the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities (22:18). Parker adds that consistent, culturally responsive programs help mitigate the systemic biases that previously led to unequal outcomes.
Positive Youth Development
Central to King County's approach is Positive Youth Development (PYD). This framework shifts the role of juvenile justice workers from enforcers to agents of change, helping youth develop essential life skills. Parker emphasizes, “Your job actually is an agent of change and we need to... help this youth and family build skills so they can be successful” (30:42).
Gant highlights incentive-based supervision and the creation of care team models, which foster collaboration among probation counselors, social workers, and other stakeholders to support youth holistically (31:36).
Future Plans and Challenges
Looking ahead, Gant and Parker acknowledge the need for continuous improvement and adaptability within the JTRAC model. They face ongoing challenges, such as workforce reductions and securing sustainable funding. Gant underscores the importance of engaging with state-level stakeholders to align funding structures with the therapeutic model, ensuring long-term viability and scalability of reforms (36:48).
Parker adds, “We have to be nimble to staff, community, the youth and families we're working with,” emphasizing the necessity for the model to evolve in response to changing needs and circumstances (33:29).
Key Takeaways
- Inclusive Leadership: Engaging staff and stakeholders in the reform process fosters ownership and reduces resistance.
- Therapeutic Focus: Addressing the root causes of youth behavior through mental health and substance abuse programs leads to more effective outcomes.
- Equity and Cultural Responsiveness: Standardizing practices to eliminate disparities ensures fair treatment for all youth, particularly those of color.
- Positive Youth Development: Shifting roles from punitive measures to skill-building and support systems promotes long-term success for youth.
- Continuous Improvement: Ongoing assessment and adaptability are essential for sustaining and scaling successful reforms.
Notable Quotes
- Robert Gant: “I always say for myself, I'm so blessed to have basketball because I was in the mix of everything” (04:10).
- Aaron Parker: “We were co-laboring with our staff from the beginning... sitting with us at the table to develop what that looks like” (12:39).
- Robert Gant: “Patience is super important... inspiring a shared vision... challenging the process” (14:18).
- Aaron Parker: “Your job actually is an agent of change and we need to... help this youth and family build skills so they can be successful” (30:42).
Conclusion
Robert Gant and Aaron Parker exemplify transformative leadership within King County’s Juvenile Court Services. Through patient, inclusive, and data-driven strategies, they have successfully navigated significant reforms, shifting towards a therapeutic and equitable youth justice system. Their commitment to continuous improvement and positive youth development serves as a model for other jurisdictions aiming to enhance outcomes for youth, families, and communities.
Learn More:
For additional resources and to explore more episodes, visit rfknrcjj.org/podcast.
Contact:
Email the RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice at rfknrcjj.org/contact-us.
Follow Us: