RESOURCE NAVIGATOR

The Resource Navigator Model is a collaborative effort among the Children’s Initiative, the San Diego County Juvenile Court, San Diego County Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and a variety of community-based stakeholders. It’s primary goal is to enhance outcomes for justice-involved youth by offering individualized support and guidance to both the youth and their families as they navigate multiple systems, including mental and behavioral health, education, court proceedings, and probation.

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Referrals to the Resource Navigator come from the San Diego juvenile justice partners. The Resource Navigator assists youth and their families by facilitating connections to community services and programs. This role also collaborates closely with regional clinicians to ensure that youth are linked to appropriate mental and behavioral health services tailored to their specific needs.

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In addition to these connections, the Resource Navigator helps youth and families with educational enrollment, making the process easier to navigate. They accompany youth to important appointments and court hearings, ensuring that they feel supported and prepared. This role also provides valuable assistance with program enrollment and practical guidance on meeting the requirements of probation and court mandates, helping youth stay on track. The Resource Navigator guides youth to successful complete all of their probation and court requirements to help them exit probation successfully and in a timely fashion.

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Understanding the broader needs of the youth and families, the Resource Navigator actively connects them to essential resources such as housing assistance, food, and diaper banks. Their commitment includes providing tangible support, such as distributing bus passes for transportation, clothing for daily needs, gift cards for food and gas, bedding for comfort, and other essential supplies. By addressing these fundamental needs, the Resource Navigator significantly enhances outcomes for youth on probation, fostering an environment where they and their families can thrive.