Navigating challenges at the frontline

Evidence from Youth Outreach Unit (YOU) in marginalized communities

Bibliographic Data

ID22423830
AuthorsVernise Estorcien (0000-0003-4857-4209, Indiana University Indianapolis, corresponding author), Sanghee Park (0000-0003-0527-728X, Indiana University Indianapolis)
Year2026
Pages1-26
Publication date2026-07-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Management Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1471-9037 • E-ISSN: 1471-9045
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14719037.2026.2700573
OpenAlexW7167790699
LanguageEN
References cited53

Police-led youth programs provide mentorship and support for youth in marginalized communities, yet limited research examines their implementation challenges and adaptive strategies. This qualitative study investigates the Youth Outreach Unit (YOU) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, using virtual semi-structured interviews with program leaders and officers. Findings identify three key implementation challenges: resource constraints, understaffing and limited expertise, and unclear goals and performance metrics. We further identify three pathways for improvement: formal partnerships and community collaboration, strategic use of goal ambiguity, and clearer metrics, protocols, and accountability mechanisms. The study offers policy implications for designing and supporting community-based youth programs.

Outreach · Public policy · Community Health and Development · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Youth Development and Social Support