Dane County has launched the Assessment, Treatment, Transition and Aftercare (ATTA) program, a new pilot initiative designed to provide intensive, community-based support for at-risk youth and reduce the need for placement in state correctional facilities.
ATTA represents a significant shift in Dane County’s approach to juvenile justice, emphasizing early intervention, accountability paired with care, and individualized support that keeps youth connected to their families, schools, and communities whenever possible, according to a press release from the county.
“Earlier support and meaningful opportunity are the cornerstones of this program,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard in a press release. “ATTA is about stepping in sooner, surrounding youth with the right services, and giving them a real chance to succeed.”
The program was developed at the request of Judge Everett Mitchell and shaped by Interim Juvenile Detention Center Superintendent Albert Watson, drawing on successful models from other Wisconsin counties and tailoring them to meet the needs of Dane County youth.
ATTA is designed for youth who are at high risk of being placed in facilities such as Lincoln Hills or Copper Lake. The six-month program integrates assessment, treatment, transition, and aftercare into a single continuum of care focused on rehabilitation and long-term stability.
“My hope is that programs like ATTA mean fewer and fewer youth ever have to experience placements like Lincoln Hills because we’ve invested in strong early intervention right here in Dane County,” Agard said.
