A program launched under a partnership between the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and the Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti aims to give young people a second chance before they enter the justice system.
The Restorative and Preventative Intervention and Diversion program, also known as RAPID, provides support and services to youth and young adults who might otherwise face life-altering consequences due to non-violent criminal offenses.
Program manager Degaryia Witten said RAPID was developed to fill a gap in services for young offenders who need intervention, support and resources rather than punishment.
“The idea first came about because I saw a gap in our community where our youth in the justice system needed a little bit more support,” Witten said. “Especially with reentry support and pre-arrest deflection and intervention. I wanted to bridge the gap.”
Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia M. Dyer, in an announcement of the program posted in the sheriff's office website, said RAPID offers a front-end prevention opportunity.
"Our goal here is to support our young people, now, to give them the support and resources needed to possibly prevent their future system involvement," Dyer said in the statement. "RAPID will give our deputies another tool to support youth, families and our community. I am excited about the program and my office’s partnership with Corner Health. Deflecting youth to alternatives whenever possible can prevent harm and trauma from involvement in the legal system.”
Youth referred to the program will receive case management, individualized goal planning, behavioral health and counseling support, life skills and personal development groups, education and career readiness support, access to health services and other community resources. By following the individualized plan developed for them under RAPID, youth can avoid being charged with low-level offenses.
Witten manages RAPID from the health center offices at 47 N. Huron St. In operation for more than 40 years, the health center focuses on aiding people ages 12-25. The RAPID program aids those in the same age group, operating through three separate tracks designed to address different stages of justice involvement: intervention, pre-arrest deflection and reentry support. Deputies can refer individuals to the program through a simple process that requires only basic information.
The intervention tracks are for youth who might be at risk of entering the justice system due to behavioral issues, school truancy or conflict at home. Program staff connect participants with services such as counseling and basic needs support.
The pre-arrest deflection, launched in December 2025, allows law enforcement officers to refer individuals directly to RAPID instead of moving forward with traditional legal proceedings. Under this system, deputies can refer youth or young adults ages 12-25 who are involved with nonviolent incidents.
The reentry track supports individuals returning to the community after involvement with the justice system, helping them find stability and resources to rebuild their lives.
Witten said the goal is to make referrals quick and easy so officers can connect young people with services without disrupting their jobs.
Deputies determine whether a situation qualifies for referral or should move forward with the traditional legal process.
Witten said the program focuses on addressing the underlying issues many young people face, including mental health struggles, housing instability and limited access to resources.
“We’re equipping them with skills they need to maneuver through society confidently,” Witten said.
The program is funded through a private foundation. Organizers hope to expand it by partnering with additional law enforcement agencies across Washtenaw County, including the Ypsilanti Police Department.
While the pre-arrest deflection track launched recently, Witten said, success will be measured by the program’s impact on participants rather than the number of people served.
“Our goal is to make sure every client gets the help they need and deserve," she said.
