New Jersey, JDAI Model State

Reduced their annual admissions to detention by 41 percent and reduced the average daily population by 44 percent. From the beginning, focused on implementing JDAI strategies statewide, a plan which has seen success with the five original counties expanding to thirteen counties within six years. Through the State’s Juvenile Justice Commission and Steering Committee, JDAI values were emphasized at both the state and local levels, while detention specialists were enlisted to collect and analyze data that highlighted systematic problems and led to early and effective reform strategies. The implementation of a statewide risk assessment instrument and continuous trainings between counties and agencies further spurred New Jersey’s ultimate goal to have JDAI in every county.