QUESTION
What are the reasons for underutilization of the NYC Department of Probation’s programs and what steps are being taken to improve engagement?
0:34:48
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173 sec
The NYC Department of Probation identifies lack of engagement and compliance as major issues in program utilization, introducing virtual reality as a solution.
- Participants' low compliance and engagement levels are identified as key reasons for program underutilization.
- To improve engagement, the department plans to introduce a virtual reality program called 'Options', which is engaging and customizable.
- The 'Options' program aims to stimulate participant decision-making through scenario-based interactions.
- Despite being down seven credible messengers, the department assures that these roles are not being replaced but rather integrated with the new technology.
- The virtual reality systems are expected to be operational within the next 30 to 60 days, funded by existing resources.
Robert Maldonado
0:34:48
Thank you for the question.
0:34:50
In county of 2023, we had a total of 381 participants new enrollees meaning that we're in the actual calendar year not brought over from 2022, it was 275.
Sandy Nurse
0:35:04
And what was some of the reasons you found when you started looking into the program that there was an underutilization from your point
Alex Stein
0:35:12
of view?
Juanita Holmes
0:35:12
Right.
0:35:12
So we were naturally, we have credible messengers, not necessary credible messengers that were previously incarcerated, but are key stakeholders in the community.
0:35:23
So as a result of such, deputy commissioner, Sharon Goodwin, from probation.
0:35:29
She oversees outdoor operations, which the neon falls under.
0:35:32
Have been conducting interviews to make sure that the message is standardized, that they are engaging, We are currently down 7 credible messengers, so those positions have been posted.
0:35:46
Naturally, we were at a point where we were met with a higher freeze.
0:35:50
Neither here nor there.
0:35:51
We still had individuals to provide the services that were needed when individuals were attending.
0:35:56
What I did see though is a lack of compliance, which naturally I spoke about earlier by our client in attending these particular programs.
0:36:06
So as a result of such, we have met with a vendor that I like called StreetSmart It's used in the New York City Police Department.
0:36:15
It's a program called Options.
0:36:16
We know young people love virtual reality.
0:36:20
So we're in the process of purchasing 3 of these mechanisms that would be more engaging.
0:36:27
It is customizable.
0:36:29
So we can create scenarios, and that's how we reach our young people.
0:36:33
So we really had to step up step up our game.
0:36:37
With what would entice them to come in and wanna participate in the program.
0:36:41
Long gone of the day, sit here and just listen to what I have say, you know, and and sometimes they look at it like we're parent just talking.
0:36:49
So I think this program putting this in place.
0:36:52
I think it's gonna be very intriguing and not just young people, but even adults are gonna love to participate in this.
0:36:58
And especially to me a fact that it's customizable because we can give them options, and options is simply this.
0:37:05
We create a scenario they might have been involved in.
0:37:07
And the outcome of 2 options.
0:37:09
And so now we say, what what made you make this decision?
0:37:12
It's very engaging.
0:37:14
It's thought provoking.
0:37:16
So I think that's going to be phenomenal.
0:37:17
We're currently meeting deputy commissioner Maldonado is currently meeting with them and we're in the process, and we do have the funds.
0:37:24
To purchase 3 d systems.
Sandy Nurse
0:37:26
And when do you expect that to come online?
Juanita Holmes
0:37:27
I'm hoping in the next month.
0:37:29
We've met
Robert Maldonado
0:37:32
We were actually meeting with them on March 18th.
0:37:35
We're doing it to figure out next steps as far as procurement.
0:37:38
It may be within the next 30 to 60 days.
Sandy Nurse
0:37:40
Okay.