'Alternatives to Detention' for juveniles examined online

The National Center for State Courts will present the webinar “Alternatives to Detention” on Thursday, July 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Living through a pandemic has significantly impacted young people, their families and the social structures that support them. Many of the individual and environmental protective factors that reduce the likelihood of juvenile court involvement – including school connectedness and pro-social supports – have been compromised during and because of the pandemic. The long-term impacts for adolescents, as well as our youngest children, are yet to be seen.  

The field of juvenile justice practice and policy has made great strides in recent years to implement strategies that work to divert low-risk juveniles, effectively identify and address the criminogenic needs of young people and reduce recidivism. Courts need to prepare now to effectively serve young people who have experienced school disconnectedness, social isolation and exacerbated mental health needs. NCSC is presenting this webinar as part of a series focused on how juvenile court stakeholders can best support young people in the post-pandemic era across the justice system.

In “Alternatives to Detention,” Nate Balis, director of the Juvenile Justice Strategy Group at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, will describe lessons learned from building better and more equitable youth justice system through the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI).  He will be joined by Lisa Gerry, executive director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion for Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services, who will tell the story of how Maryland launched and sustained improvement efforts through JDAI.

To register for the program, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “webinars.”