Juvenile Detention Reform: A Guide for County Officials

By National Association of Counties Community Services Division

January 2, 2011

Summary

Too many kids are unnecessarily or inap­propriately thrown into detention, with long-lasting negative consequences for both public safety and youth development. This guidebook on Casey’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) captures alternative practices to juvenile detention that counties can imple­ment while cutting costs and increasing public safety.  

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

When kids are unnecessarily detained, local counties usually end up paying for it.

The most effective programs at reducing youth crime and relapses exist in the community rather than the juvenile justice system, and these programs are often cheaper than detention.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations