Seven million people are affected by the U.S. justice system. The largest segment, 3.9 million, are on probation. 68% of young adults on probation return to prison...the highest rate of all age groups.
This service concept aims to reduce that number by combining technology with unconventional spaces to connect young adults with the help they need.
Common Ground is a service concept for 18-25 year olds on probation. Developed for T Lab at Tipping Point Community over a six-month period, the program was tested in San Francisco during a two-week micro-trial.
The service utilizes an app that features engaging five to seven-step action plans on topics such as education, employment, housing and finances.
An early prototype included a branded bus as a mobile, accessible space for the young adults to meet with their case managers and probation officers.
The bus featured private areas for confidential meetings as well as an inspiration board, listening stations and tablets to work on tasks with their case managers.
Branding includes posters that welcome the young adults.
One of the issues that arose from the design research indicates young adults on probation are reluctant to use existing services because they are too closely associated with law enforcement. The locations remind them of their time in jail, when most are interested in new beginnings.
Our team prototyped the app for use on tablets and smart phones with the goal that participants use the tablets when working together on tasks, but the young adults use the app on their phones when working independently.
Participants received a welcome packet, which contains a pre-paid card for public transportation, which can be used on buses, trains and ferries throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for the duration of the micro-trial.
Case manager Dameion Brown, above left, met with clients for face-to-face counseling in safe, inspiring locations. This meeting took place on the San Francisco Bay Ferry.
Young adults used the app to complete step-by-step action plans on topics ranging from financial planning to obtaining identification.
Oscar was one of the young adults who participated in the two-week trial. He and the others reported finding inspiration in the sites where the meetings with case managers were held, including The de Young Museum, the Exploratorium and The Walt Disney Family Museum.
- Common Ground participant