READI Chicago participants face high levels of justice system involvement: 96% have been arrested, and 64% have served time in prison. Through work with participants referred through the criminal justice system, READI Chicago has identified and is working to close a gap in services and supports prior to release. To that end, READI is expanding pre-release engagement in Cook County Jail and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, and creating new ones in the Illinois Department of Corrections, so that individuals can benefit from exposure to cognitive behavioral tools, referrals to critical support services, and a relationship to program staff who will engage them in programming as soon as they are released and able to return home.

Since launch, READI Chicago has prioritized technical assistance and capacity strengthening strategies at the individual and community level. We have developed a practice-rich training, technical assistance and coaching model that provides the types of supports needed to realize lasting performance improvements.

By documenting the READI Chicago model, other cities can build on the successes of the initiative to reduce violence in other areas. READI has also standardized and supported the implementation of policies and procedures, as well as data sharing, to achieve stronger performance outcomes. Access to real-time data dashboards allows continuous and immediate program evaluation and improvement.

READI Chicago has been an innovator in applying trauma-informed principles in employment services, educating employer partners about the impacts of trauma in the workplace, taking a harm reduction approach to substance use in workforce programming, and adopting very low-barrier “zero exclusion” policies in access to services. This has allowed READI to meet critical economic needs in communities impacted by violence, while establishing employment as a valuable component in violence prevention activities.