A National Model: Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative

Communities across the country have sought ways to improve their juvenile justice systems, address disproportionate minority contact, and reduce reliance on detention. The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) is designed to address the efficiency and effectiveness of juvenile detention across the United States by helping jurisdictions restructure policy and practice to create system improvement that reach far beyond detention. Founded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation JDAI efforts are under way in more than 125 jurisdictions, in 30 states, in the District of Columbia, and is now operational in those places responsible for almost 75 percent of the country's detained population. In the past few months, five Ohio counties have joined the JDAI family. This show will explore the concepts and goals of JDAI, discuss lessons learned from implementing jurisdictions, and share ways in which counties interested in JDAI can begin to organize in order to improve their juvenile justice system. Guest: Judy Cox , Juvenile Justice Consultant, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative