Planning for Juvenile Detention Reforms

The Initiative

In 1993, the Annie E. Casey Foundation launched a multiyear, multisite experiment called the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) aimed at developing more effective, efficient alternatives to juvenile detention.

Detention Planning and Reform

Many factors—including overcrowding, rising operational costs and flagging facility conditions—can signal a need for detention planning and reform.

Here's a Tip

JDAI-tested tip: Engage outside experts and consultants from the get-go.

Stage 1

Stage 1 is a 4-step process centered on data collection, system analysis, program review/assessment, and conducting a cost analysis that accurately reflects the system's current standing.

Stage 2

In stage 2, planners learn about composing a written statement that clearly outlines the local goals of juvenile detention.

Stage 3

Stage 3 encourages planners to revisit their data and identify major problem areas. This process is time intensive; JDAI sites spent more than a year diving into their statistics and identifying strategies for change.

Stage 4

One focal point of stage 4—barriers to reform—offer tips for navigating common planning challenges, such as loss of political support, employee resistance and inadequate data.

Stage 5

The final stage of the planning process—stage 5—tells planners exactly what needs to go in to their action plan. Must-have components of this plan include: Anticipated bed needs, assigned agency roles and reform costs and savings.