Ann Arbor, MI – Young people in Washtenaw County will now have a new alternative to arrest under a partnership launched by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and The Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti. The RAPID program, introduced this week, is designed to steer youth and young adults away from the criminal legal system and toward immediate support services.
According to the Corner Health Center, RAPID serves residents ages 12–25 who engage in low-level offenses or behaviors that might otherwise lead to an arrest or police contact. The program gives deputies the option to refer young people directly into care either during an encounter or through follow-up coordination with the Corner’s RAPID team.
The goal, officials said, is to reduce recidivism, strengthen community relationships, and create safer long-term outcomes for youth. Each participant receives an Individualized Service Plan that may include case management, behavioral health support, counseling, life-skills programs, education and career readiness assistance, and access to health services.
“We believe in the power of early intervention and the importance of keeping youth connected to their families, schools, and communities,” said DeGaryia Witten, Specialized Alternative-to-Sentencing Support Program Manager at Corner Health. She said the collaboration expands access to alternatives for young people across Washtenaw County.
Sheriff Alyshia M. Dyer called RAPID a model of “front-end prevention,” adding that deputies now have another tool to support youth and reduce potential harm tied to legal system involvement.
The Corner Health Center will collect data to measure the impact of the program and may invite additional agency partners in the future.
For more information or to refer a young person, contact justice@cornerhealth.org or (734) 714-2262.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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