Report

 This report, the 12th installment in a series devoted to revolutionizing detention programs and practices in America, tells the stories of two initiatives: The success of a local effort to make smarter decisions about reducing detention center populations and the unequivocal failure of a subsequent drive to expand those achievements statewide. Paired together, these opposing outcomes serve as a cautionary tale—and underscore the unique obstacles and opportunities associated with multi-site reform.  

April 1, 2001

Pathways to Juvenile Detention Reform Series

In This Report, You’ll Learn

  1. 1

    How Broward County, Florida, succeeded in reducing detention center numbers

  2. 2

    Why a similar statewide initiative — launched just years later — failed

  3. 3

    Tips for tackling multi-site reform

  4. 4

    Factors to consider when selecting a site for detention reform

Key Takeaway

Identifying the reasons the Broward Detention Initiative succeeded

Three reasons that the Broward Detention Initiative succeeded in reducing detention center populations: 1) key leaders from multiple agencies were involved in the initiative’s planning and development process; 2) baseline data established a clear starting point — including initial practices and problem areas; and 3) the timing was right; a federal lawsuit jumpstarted reform efforts and focused all parties on resolving overcrowding concerns.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations

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