Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) marked two decades of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) at the 2024 Youth Justice Conference held on October 10th and 11th. The event, titled "Partners in Progress: Celebrating 20 Years of JDAI and Youth Justice Reform in New Jersey," brought together around 300 participants to discuss youth justice reform.

The conference featured key figures such as Attorney General Platkin, State Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti, and JJC Executive Director Dr. Jennifer LeBaron. National experts like Liz Ryan from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Nate Balis from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Raquel Mariscal from the W. Haywood Burns Institute led discussions on youth justice's current state and future directions.

Xavier McElrath-Bey of the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth delivered a keynote address on positive change potential among youth with past offenses. Workshops provided insights into new approaches to youth justice, including initiatives like New Jersey’s violence interruption programs by VIVA.

Attorney General Platkin highlighted New Jersey's achievements in youth justice reform: “New Jersey has much to be proud of on youth justice reform: after two decades of national leadership, we continue to spark innovation.” He emphasized that reforms have created a system keeping young people close to their communities while ensuring their well-being.

Since its inception in response to increasing secure detention use despite declining arrests, JDAI aims to reduce unnecessary detention while maintaining public safety. New Jersey has been a leader in this effort since 2004, significantly impacting youth of color through community-based alternatives.

Dr. Jennifer LeBaron noted New Jersey's role as a trailblazer: “In New Jersey, we are honored to be recognized as trailblazers in the youth justice space.” She stressed that collaboration has reduced juvenile system entries without compromising safety.

JDAI’s impact includes an approximate 85% reduction in detained youths since 2004 and a 91% drop in court-ordered commitments to JJC custody for minor offenses. These changes primarily benefit youths of color and align with statewide efforts to divert non-violent youths from detention when public safety is not threatened.

The JJC continues its mission established in 1995 to improve outcomes for involved youths through care, custody, rehabilitation services, parole supervision, prevention efforts, and early intervention services across various facilities.