Executive Summary
During emerging adulthood (a life stage occurring roughly from ages 18 to 26), people have a unique opportunity to lay the foundation for a positive and successful adulthood. People in this age range are also at greater risk of interruptions owing to involvement in the criminal justice system. Age-related factors (including ongoing brain development) can lead young adults to engage in riskier behavior than other adults, and young adults face an evolving social context with additional instability and challenges. Moreover, young adults who face barriers related to structural inequality, such as poverty and racism, are at higher risk of justice involvement. Connecting young people transitioning to adulthood to community resources can improve public safety outcomes. But although researchers and practitioners have been developing and testing innovations to support young people transitioning to adulthood for decades, they have rarely been incorporated into policy and practice related to public safety.
Community-based resources can help prevent justice contact, provide creative solutions for young adults at risk of justice involvement, and support people in the justice system seeking new paths forward. Relationships and support networks, health and well-being, and stability and financial security are developmental assets that can aid young adults’ long-term success—and prevent justice involvement—as they begin their adult lives. This guide summarizes findings from relevant literature on what helps emerging adults succeed, describes examples of how US communities are innovating to meet those needs, and shares key takeaways from interviews with emerging adults. Justice and community-based service practitioners can apply this information to improve individual outcomes and community safety by building and strengthening community-based continua of care and opportunity for emerging adults.
