JDAI: The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative

Detention reform has three goals:   

·         End the harmful detention of youth,  

·         Reduce the numbers of youth being detained,

·         Ensure the provision of basic services.

To help achieve these goals JDAI builds on eight core strategies that involve both system and practice approaches:   

·         Collaboration. Bringing stakeholders together to identify system problems and develop reforms.   

·         Data-driven decisions.  Using objective data to develop reform plans.   

·         Objective admissions criteria and instruments. Using objective assessments to identify high-risk and low-risk offenders to determine the appropriate use of supervision and detention.   

·         Non-secure alternatives to detention. Using evidence-based programs in lieu of detention as part of individual case plan development.   

·         Case processing. Reducing unnecessary delays in juvenile court through changes in how cases are processed.   

·         Special detention cases. Targeting strategies to address difficult populations of youth—those detained on warrants, probation violations or pending placement.    

·         Reducing racial disparities. Developing strategies specifically aimed at eliminating bias and improving culturally appropriate programming.   

·         Conditions of confinement. Addressing overcrowding, lack of services or staffing problems increases detention safety, resulting in shorter stays and fewer readmissions.   

Localities and states tailor the eight JDAI core strategies to their strengths and needs to reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve its quality.

JDAI achieves savings and improves outcomes.   Reductions in detention in the JDAI sites save millions of dollars by halving the number of youth sent to state correctional facilities.  The focus on keeping youth out of local detention facilities reduces inappropriate placements overall.