The National Resource Center for the Transformation of Youth Justice (NRC) uses established models of reform, informed by over a decade-long body of work, to support state and local jurisdictions seeking to improve system performance and outcomes for youth involved with the youth justice system. Site-based consultation and technical assistance is tailored to each community and facilitated by experienced staff to guide jurisdictions through a collaborative exploration of data, practice, resource, and legal matters in order to design, implement, and sustain meaningful reforms. In addition, a library of publications and resources is available to support jurisdictions undertaking reform with or without technical assistance.
Our Areas of Expertise Include:
Dual Status Youth Reform
The NRC works with local and state jurisdictions to achieve systemic reform on behalf of dual status youth – young people involved with both the child welfare and youth justice systems – and their families. Utilizing a tailored and collaborative approach, we guide youth-serving systems and multi-disciplinary partners in identifying, implementing, and sustaining policy and practice reforms that enhance system performance and make a positive impact on children, families, and communities. Our dual status youth reform framework also informs our work focused on addressing the needs of commercially and sexually exploited of children (CSEC).
Probation & Youth Justice System Review Reform
The NRC provides intensive technical assistance to youth justice stakeholders in state and local jurisdictions to achieve measurable, sustainable improvements in probation and youth justice system performance. The engagement of agency/organizational leadership, court, probation, and other relevant practitioners and stakeholders is essential to develop findings and recommendations that capitalize on local expertise, opportunities to support ongoing positive practices and initiatives, and seize viable opportunities for reform.
Diversion and Alternatives Reform Team Initiative
The Diversion and Alternatives Reform Team (DART) Initiative supports state and local jurisdictions in their efforts to develop or enhance their system of alternative responses to formal prosecution. The NRC supports the creation of a comprehensive system of diversionary practices and collaborative system approaches to fully realize community and agency partnerships that protect public safety, ensure accountability, and take advantage of restorative justice principles through a robust system of alternatives to formal prosecution to produce positive youth outcomes.
Developmental Approach to Youth Justice Reform
A developmental approach to youth justice means embracing policies and practices at every decision point that are informzed by an understanding of adolescent development and the effects of youth justice interventions. The NRC acknowledges and embraces this approach in all of our training, technical assistance, and consultation work.
Information and Data Sharing Reform
The staff of the NRC, in close partnership with the Juvenile Law Center, developed a model framework to address the myriad of local, state, and national laws and policies governing the exchange and sharing of data, information, and records for youth and families involved in the youth justice and related youth serving systems. Over the past five years, this work has resulted in the development of publications, resources, webinars, a certificate program, and on-site training and technical assistance.
Where We Have Worked
The National Resource Center is dedicated to serving communities throughout the country – contact us to learn how we can support your jurisdiction!
