Team Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The Juvenile Justice Applied Leadership Network (ALN) is designed for teams from jurisdictions committed to improving outcomes for youth involved with, or at risk of becoming involved with, the juvenile justice system. ALN seeks jurisdictions that are implementing — or interested in advancing — community-based approaches that prevent young people from coming into contact with law enforcement, divert them before they enter the legal system, and reduce deeper system involvement after initial contact.

Participating jurisdictions should be committed to changing policies, practices and organizational culture to reduce the footprint of the juvenile justice system; minimize the use of confinement; promote healing and rehabilitation for youth with the most serious offense histories; and strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations.

In 2026, we are seeking teams of four to six members. Up to four jurisdictions will be selected, with a maximum of 24 participants across the cohort. Class 6 is open to all jurisdictions, regardless of their connection to Casey’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)®  or probation transformation site work.

Teams should represent the full continuum of support — from prevention through reentry after confinement — for youth and young adults (up to age 24) who are at risk of, or involved in, the juvenile justice system.

We encourage teams to include representatives from both community-based organizations and public systems who can work together to achieve local results. Each team must include at least one member from the jurisdiction's juvenile justice agency.

Examples of team members include:

• representatives from community-based organizations that serve young people or support community priorities;
• community advocates, including faith-based leaders and advocates for racial justice, social justice or legislative reform;
• representatives from one or more youth-serving systems, such as juvenile justice, education, child welfare, workforce development or behavioral health; and
• a young leader or person with lived experience who is actively engaged in the community and can represent the perspectives of those most directly affected by law enforcement and the courts.

Applicants should assemble a team with at least two members who have experience working together to advance meaningful change. Strong teams bring together individuals with diverse perspectives, relationships and spheres of influence, united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young people and families.

Team composition should reflect the following characteristics:

• racial, ethnic and gender diversity;
• diverse perspectives and lived experiences;
• a commitment to juvenile justice reform;
• a strong focus on equity and the well-being of young people and families;
• experience using data to inform decision-making;
• a willingness to build partnerships among youth, families, community organizations and system partners to co-design and implement strategies; and
• an action-oriented mindset, with the courage and influence to drive measurable change.

Team members should have the time, organizational support and formal or informal influence needed to fully participate in the program and advance the team's work within their community, organization or system throughout the 14-month experience.