1. Job Readiness/ Career Exploration- Core Program

Description:
A structured, evidence-based reentry and workforce readiness program for justice-involved youth ages 15–21 referred by DJJ, CSUs, or community partners.

Program Focus Areas (Phases 1–4):

Phase 1 – Assessment & Life Planning

  • Intake, risk/needs assessment, and goal-setting.
  • Development of individualized career and life readiness plan.

Phase 2 – Job Readiness Training

  • Resume building, mock interviews, workplace behavior, and communication.
  • Understanding professionalism, punctuality, and teamwork.

Phase 3 – Career Placement & Mentorship

  • Job search assistance, internship placement, and ongoing mentorship.
  • Collaboration with local employers and probation officers for stable employment support.

Phase 4 – Retention & Life Skills

  • Financial literacy, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation workshops.
  • Ongoing monitoring for 90 days post-placement with progress reporting to DJJ.

2. Transportation Support

Description:
Door-to-door transportation provided for youth to:

  • Attend employment, interviews, or job training.
  • Participate in community service or educational programs.
  • Travel to and from approved residence or family visits.

Compliance:
Transportation logs and authorization forms are maintained and available for audit.

3. Mentorship & Behavioral Coaching

Description:
Youth are paired with trained mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and support in developing prosocial behavior, decision-making, and goal-setting.

Focus Areas:

  • Reducing recidivism and increasing motivation for change.
  • Weekly check-ins and progress tracking shared with DJJ officers.

4. Re-entry Services: Community Reintegration Services

Description:
Support for youth transitioning from detention or residential placement back into the community.

Includes:

  • Life skills coaching and peer support.
  • Reentry navigation assistance (identification, housing, school enrollment).
  • Family engagement sessions when applicable.

5. Reporting & Coordination

Description:
RSW provides monthly progress reports to assigned Regional Service Coordinators (RSCs).
Staff communicate with Court Service Units (CSUs) and Probation Officers (POs) regarding youth participation and outcomes.
All data and records are securely stored in RSW’s protected Google Workspace system in compliance with DJJ privacy standards.

Performance Goals:

  • Increase youth employment readiness and job placement rates.
  • Support positive reentry outcomes and reduce recidivism.
  • Improve family and community reintegration success.

About The Author

Ericka Palmer is the Founder and Program Director of ReadySet Work (RSW): a workforce readiness and mentorship program based in Hampton Roads, Virginia. With over a decade of experience in youth development, crisis services, and community-based programming, Ericka created RSW to bridge the gap between the juvenile justice system and real-world opportunity. Under her leadership, ReadySet Work helps justice-involved youth ages 15–21 develop essential life and employment skills that lead to long-term success. Ericka’s work emphasizes accountability, confidence, and second chances , empowering young people to transition from supervision to stability through mentorship, career exploration, and hands-on job readiness training. A passionate advocate for equity and empowerment, Ericka also serves as a Mental Health and Community Programming Advisor, a Norfolk Virginia Health Planning 5 Local Human Rights Committee Member, where she serves on teams across her local region. Her work is rooted in empathy, structure, and creating systems that support both accountability and growth. Core Beliefs: Every young person deserves a fair shot at a fresh start. Preparation and mentorship are the foundation of opportunity. True community change begins when compassion meets structure. When Ericka isn’t leading RSW, she’s developing creative programs that combine education, entrepreneurship, and music to inspire the next generation of leaders.