Connecting the Dots: Lessons Learned from a Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Systems Improvement Initiative

Hosted by the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) with funding support from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The Improving Outcomes for Youth (IOYouth) initiative, which is operated by the National Reentry Resource Center, helps state and local jurisdictions to align their juvenile justice systems' policies and practices with what research shows works to reduce recidivism and set youth up for success. This webinar is for state and local policymakers, system leaders, agency managers, and more, and it:

• Explains the research and track record of reform efforts underpinning the IOYouth approach, as well as discusses why conducting a comprehensive review of systemwide policies and expenditures is critical to protecting public safety and efficient resource allocation;
• Describes three states' experiences participating in IOYouth, including the challenges that they were seeking to address; the assessment process; and the legislative, administrative, and funding changes that resulted from their efforts; and
• Discusses the lessons learned from each state and from the NRRC on facilitating systemwide improvement initiatives, as well as how other jurisdictions can apply these lessons to their own efforts.

Presenters:

• Shanelle Johnson, Policy Analyst, The Council of State Governments Justice Center;
• Ross Armstrong, Administrator, Nevada Division of Child and Family Services;
• Nick J. Costales, Deputy Director of Field Services, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department; and
• Adam Zarrin, Policy Advisor, Office of Colorado Governor Jared Polis.