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  • JDAI Core Strategies


    JDAI is based upon eight core, interconnected strategies that address the primary reasons why youth are unnecessarily or inappropriately detained. It is necessary that all core strategies be intentionally and effectively applied in order to achieve maximum results in reduction of detention populations. Scroll through each of the eight core strategies by clicking on the arrows, and then select by clicking on the strategy name. If you are unable to locate specific information please submit your question to the Help Desk.

  • Collaboration


    Key juvenile justice stakeholders coordinate detention reform activities and conduct joint planning and policymaking under a formal governance structure. They work together to identify detention bottlenecks and problems, to develop common understandings and solutions, and to generate support for proposed reforms and routinely monitor reform progress.

  • Data Driven Decisions


    JDAI depends upon objective data analysis to guide detention reform planning and policy development. Data on detention population, utilization and operations is collected to provide a portrait of who is being detained and why and to monitor the impacts of policies and practices. As a results-based initiative, JDAI establishes and tracks performance measures. All data is disaggregated by race/ethnicity and gender to monitor disparities in the system.

  • Objective Admissions


    Detention admissions policies and practices must distinguish between the youth who are likely to flee or commit new crimes and those who are not. JDAI sites develop detention Risk Assessment Instruments to objectively screen youth to determine which youth can be safely supervised in the community. Absent an objective approach, high-risk offenders may be released and low-risk offenders detained.

  • Alternatives to Detention


    New or enhanced non-secure alternatives to detention programs increase the options available for arrested youth by providing supervision, structure and accountability. Detention alternative programs target only those youth who would otherwise be detained, and typically include: electronic monitoring, house arrest, community monitoring, day or evening reporting centers, and shelter beds for youth who cannot return home.

  • Case Processing Reforms


    Modifications of juvenile court procedures accelerate the movement of delinquency cases, streamline case processing and reduce unnecessary delay. Case processing reforms are introduced to expedite the flow of cases through the system. These changes reduce length of stay in custody, expand the availability of non-secure program slots and ensure that interventions with youth are timely and appropriate.

  • Special Detention Cases


    "Special detention cases" are those cases that commonly represent large percentages of inappropriate or unnecessary stays in detention. Data analysis typically directs jurisdictions to focus on those youth detained on warrants, for probation violations, or pending dispositional placement. Addressing these cases can have immediate and significant impact on safely reducing detention populations.

  • Reducing Racial Disparities


    Reducing racial disparities requires specific strategies aimed at eliminating bias and ensuring a level playing field for youth of color. Racial/ethnic disparities are the most stubborn aspect of detention reform. Real lasting change in this arena requires committed leadership, on-going policy analysis and targeted policies and programming.

  • Conditions of Confinement


    Reducing overcrowding in detention can immediately improve conditions. To monitor conditions of confinement in secure detention centers and to identify problems that need correction, JDAI sites establish "self-inspection" teams of local volunteers. These self-inspection teams are trained in a rigorous methodology and ambitious standards that carefully examine all aspects of facility policies, practices and programs. The teams then prepare comprehensive reports on their findings and monitor implementation of corrective action plans.
 
 

 Featured Resources

 
 

 JDAI Publications

 
  		 
 

 Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative

 
Since 1992, the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, has demonstrated that jurisdictions can safely reduce reliance on secure confinement and generally strengthen their juvenile justice systems through a series of interrelated reform strategies. JDAI is now being replicated in almost 200 jurisdictions in 39 states and the District of Columbia.

The JDAI Help Desk is an on-line tool for advocates, practitioners, policymakers, and others interested in improving juvenile justice systems. By sharing juvenile justice best practices, research and materials generated by JDAI jurisdictions, the JDAI Help Desk shares what works in juvenile justice. Featured materials include: documented strategies and tools to safely reduce secure confinement, improve public safety, avoid costs and do what works for youth to develop into healthy, productive adults. These materials are catalogued and available for downloading and sharing. If you are unable to locate specific information on this site, please submit questions to the Help Desk.

The Pretrial Justice Institute in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation operates the JDAI Help Desk. We are interested in hearing your thoughts. Please feel free to leave us feedback.​​​
 
JDAI Help Desk at the Pretrial Justice Institute, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20004
Tel: 202-756-0238 | Fax: 202-756-7323 | E-mail: jdaihelpdesk@pretrial.org  ©Web Design by WDF


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