Transformative Justice Program

how we do it

LSJA’s Transformative Programs shift mental models to encourage innovation. We pilot innovative, evidence-based programs, evaluated to measure impact, to ensure effectiveness, and to scale. 

Mental models are how we understand the world.  They are shaped by individual life experiences, perceptions, community, information, policy, practice, history, tradition, etc.. Mental models are the foundational drivers of activity in any system.    

By engaging community members and criminal legal system stakeholders in innovative programs that focus on underlying causes for behaviors and system involvement, we work to shift mental models from punitive responses to behaviors to trauma-informed, strengths-based  responses that promote growth and development toward self-determination.  

    6 Key Elements for Transformation

    Relying upon the Pew Charitable Trust’s evidence-based policymaking framework, the Transformative Justice Model (link to Transformative Justice Model page) was established with 6 key elements:

    These services are delivered in the community by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of behavioral health and social service providers to reduce recidivism and improve social determinants of health (SDoH), at a lower cost than jail or prison.

    As an alternative to incarceration, when a participant graduates a TJ program, the participant’s case(s) are dismissed and immediately filed for expunction, opening the door of possibilities for justice-involved emerging adults free from the collateral consequences of arrest and/or conviction.

    How It Works

    Six elements. Proven in Texas. Refined over years of real practice.

    1. A clear entry point —  A moment of system contact becomes an opening for change.
    1. A team assessment —  Health, mental health, and social service experts review each person together to understand the whole picture.
    1. Relationship-based case management —  A dedicated coach walks alongside each participant for as long as they need.
    1. Staged programming —  Incentive-based services that meet you where you are and move at your pace. Progress is recognized and rewarded.
    1. Real evaluation —  We track what works and adjust. Data shapes the program.
    1. Lasting community connection —  We build the relationships and networks that sustain people long after the program ends.

    The Model in Practice

    LSJA first proved this model through court partnerships in Williamson and Dallas Counties. These programs are still running today. In Dallas, we also run the HYPE Center — a walk-in reengagement hub where young adults can come voluntarily, no court order required, with workforce at the center. The model works either way. That’s what makes it scalable.

    A key component to this Model is the evaluation of the programs’ results to develop scalable models that will lead to a fundamental shift in the way Texas addresses emerging adults in the criminal legal system.

    Our Growth Strategy

    Innovate

    Innovate scalable programs in partnerships with cross-sector community organizations and justice stakeholders focusing on reducing criminal legal system involvement and racial inequities.

    Cultivate

    Cultivate partner understanding of the criminal legal system and developmentally appropriate responses to youth and emerging adult behavior.

    Replicate

    Replicate successful innovations in new communities and/or contexts for systemic impact.

    ABOUT THE PROJECT

    Through our Youth Sentencing Project, we provide direct strategic litigation on behalf of youth who were tried in the adult criminal legal system and given extremely long prison sentences, particularly those sentenced to life without parole.

    Youth should be held accountable for their wrongdoing in developmentally appropriate ways that consider their age, individual characteristics, and specific circumstances of their cases.

    Our staff litigators take the lead on a limited number of cases every year, selecting those that have the potential to influence system-wide change. Last year, LSJA was involved in 13 cases challenging the transfer of youth (either as lead counsel or in a technical support role) and won 12 of these cases.