Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)

Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) is a juvenile-justice reform initiative that focuses on reducing unnecessary detention through data-informed, fair, and collaborative practices. The initiative seeks alternatives in the community instead of detention for youth who have low-level offenses. JDAI also looks at root causes of poor or delinquent behavior and bad decision making.

 

Does this mean Franklin County won’t detain juveniles?

No. Youth who are considered a public safety may still be held in the Juvenile Intervention Center. Protecting community safety is an important piece of JDAI.

Why is JDAI important to our community?

Incarcerating a youth for just one night can have a negative impact on the youth’s future. For every night that a youth spends in detention their chance of being involved in the adult criminal justice system increases by 1%-3%. According to the Annie E Casey Foundation youth who spend time in custody are less likely to complete high school, less likely to find employment, and more likely to suffer mental health problems compared to youth who are not detained.

 

How do we know that JDAI works?

At the core of JDAI is the use of data and analysis to help in making decisions about the efficacy of programs for youth. Franklin County Juvenile Courts has shown a commitment to gathering and analyzing JDAI data, including deep-end initiatives. Since the inception of JDAI in 2018 sites have reduced admissions into detention by 57%.