Frontline practice reform has produced important lessons and research findings about strategies that reduce the unnecessary or inappropriate use of detention and improve the juvenile detention system.  In turn, this evidence has informed the development of policies that support effective practice.

What Can Policymakers Do?  

• Develop alternatives to secure detention. Detention numbers can be reduced by providing an array of research-based support services and supervision; such as home supervision, youth reporting centers, short-term crisis placements and community-based treatment options.

• Require objective detention admission criteria, and risk assessment. Objective, standardized criteria for determining the appropriate supervision level for each child can reduce both detention admissions and length of stay.

• Reduce racial disparities. State policymakers can improve disproportionate racial impacts by requiring plans to produce measurable improvement and monitoring progress.

• Mandate safe conditions of confinement with appropriate services. Ensuring detention safety and providing detained youth with necessary services yields reductions in detention stays, prevents readmissions and limits the need for future, more restrictive supervision and treatment.