To carry the work of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative forward, effective and influential leaders, committed to juvenile detention reform are needed to accelerate and sustain the achievements in the field. To this end, in 2007 the Annie E. Casey Foundation established the JDAI Applied Leadership Network as a vehicle to enhance t​he knowledge, skills, and capabilities of key individuals now working in JDAI jurisdictions. The Applied Leadership Network provides the opportunity for in-place and emerging leaders to refine their leadership skills, and apply those skills to current or new JDAI plans and projects.​​​​

​​ALN is advanced leadership development aimed at current and future leaders who, as part of a two-person team, demonstrate leadership qualities in their local jurisdictions. The teams are nominated from JDAI sites across the country to participate in a rigorous application and interview process. To view more information on the selection process click here.​

ALN utilizes peer learning within a collaborative environment as the primary vehicle for building leadership skills. Over the course of twelve months, teams meet five times as an ALN class for instructional sessions. These sessions are preceded by homework, are guided by knowledgeable faculty, and are utilized by participants to receive coaching, to practice new skills, and to solve current local issues. To view the curriculum click here.​​​

Since the inception of ALN, fifteen teams have completed the learning seminars and now participate as members of the Applied Leadership Network. Network members provide peer-to-peer support, consultative services to JDAI sites, and training to JDAI partners. To view the Network Roster click here.​​​

To read testimonies from ALN members click here.​​​

Additional ALN information such as Team Plan Outcomes and Discussion Items are searchable in the Library. When searching for ALN specific materials make sure to include "ALN" in the search terms.​​​