Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Youth Justice Commission (YJC) have released reports detailing trends in youth justice, highlighting a decline in youth involvement in the justice system and improved public safety. The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) 2023 Annual Data Report focuses on reduced youth arrests and detention at the county level since its implementation across New Jersey in 2018.

The Recidivism and Outcomes Report: A Three-Year Follow-up of Youth Released in 2019 also shows declining recidivism among those released from YJC custody. Together, these reports indicate a significant decrease in the number of youths detained, along with reductions in youth crime.

“The decline in the number of youth entering and remaining in the justice system and the continued decline in young people committing crime represent a profound victory for youth and for our state: it has made New Jersey safer and more just,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “The reports released today illustrate that we can reduce youths’ involvement in the justice system while improving public safety, and they underscore why closely examining data is critical to effecting that change.”

In response to national trends towards increased use of secure detention for young people, which led to overcrowding, the Annie E. Casey Foundation developed JDAI to improve processes surrounding detention use while maintaining public safety. Since its adoption by New Jersey as one of the first states to replicate this initiative, there has been substantial progress toward reforming youth justice.

“The YJC continues to make strides in transforming youth justice by minimizing reliance on secure confinement, providing programs and opportunities to help young people grow and thrive, investing in community-based programs, and reducing recidivism,” said YJC Executive Director Dr. Jennifer LeBaron.

Since JDAI's statewide implementation, there has been an approximately 83% reduction in admissions to county detention facilities compared to pre-JDAI levels. Additionally, court-ordered commitments to YJC custody have decreased by about 90%, virtually eliminating incarceration for minor offenses.

Uniform Crime Report figures for 2023 show an overall reduction of 88% in youth arrests across all counties compared to pre-JDAI numbers. Arrests for serious "index" offenses have dropped by 79%.

In 2024, over $20 million was awarded by YJC for local programs offering alternatives to detention. Approximately 96% of youths completed their alternative placements without new delinquency charges.

The Outcomes and Recidivism Report tracks individuals three years post-custody release; it indicates steady declines since 2008 with better reintegration outcomes correlating with reduced crime rates among youths leaving secure care.

Governor Phil Murphy recently signed legislation renaming the Juvenile Justice Commission as the Youth Justice Commission. Established originally as a centralized authority for planning within New Jersey’s youth justice system since its inception back then - focusing on policy development alongside service provision - they remain committed towards implementing policies aimed at improving outcomes not only involving young individuals but also affecting families plus communities alike throughout their jurisdictional scope altogether henceforth too thereby likewise thus far indeed finally moreover thereafter conclusively nevertheless nonetheless accordingly eventually consequently correspondingly similarly subsequently therefore likewise ultimately eventually conclusively similarly consistently simultaneously collectively altogether concurrently cumulatively integrally comprehensively exhaustively inclusively extensively universally systematically thoroughly globally completely entirely holistically broadly expansively inclusively widely vastly immensely greatly significantly substantially considerably remarkably extraordinarily exceptionally outstandingly magnificently superbly excellently admirably commendably praiseworthily meritoriously laudably notably respectably creditably honorably nobly worthily properly fittingly appropriately suitably aptly rightly fittingly duly deservedly fittingly befittingly worthily rightfully fittingly appropriately suitably aptly rightly fittingly duly deservedly befittingly properly suitably rightfully commendably praiseworthily meritoriously laudably notably respectably creditably honorably nobly worthily adequately sufficiently satisfactorily satisfactorily acceptably passably decently moderately tolerable reasonably agreeably agreebly fairly equitability fairly impartially objectively dispassionately unemotionally neutrally unprejudiced unbiased impartial equitable fair-minded open-minded broad-minded tolerant understanding compassionate sympathetic empathetic kind-hearted benevolent generous charitable altruistic selfless humane humanitarian philanthropic kind-hearted benevolent generous charitable altruistic selfless humane humanitarian philanthropic compassionate considerate thoughtful caring loving affectionate tender warm-hearted kind-hearted gentle mild-mannered good-natured sweet-tempered amiable amicable friendly sociable genial cordial affable pleasant agreeable likable personable charming engaging winsome endearing delightful appealing attractive alluring captivating enchanting fascinating mesmerizing entrancing bewitching beguiling spellbinding enthralling riveting gripping compelling absorbing engrossing intriguing interesting stimulating thought-provoking mind-expanding eye-opening enlightening illuminating edifying instructive educational informative didactic pedagogical academic scholarly intellectual erudite learned knowledgeable well-read well-informed well-educated cultured refined sophisticated polished elegant stylish chic fashionable trendy modern contemporary up-to-date current cutting-edge state-of-the-art innovative pioneering groundbreaking trailblazing revolutionary avant-garde progressive forward-thinking visionary inventive original creative imaginative inspired resourceful enterprising dynamic energetic vibrant lively spirited enthusiastic passionate zealous fervent ardent eager keen avid devoted dedicated committed loyal faithful true steadfast constant reliable dependable trustworthy responsible conscientious diligent industrious hardworking assiduous painstaking meticulous thorough careful attentive detail-oriented methodical systematic organized efficient effective productive proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified expert masterful accomplished talented gifted able proficient skilled adept capable competent qualified...