DeWine Announces Juvenile Justice Working Group Recommendations

Revealing Key Findings and Proposals to Enhance the Juvenile Justice System

Press Release Highlights

On January 18th, 2023, Governor Mike DeWine announced the recommendations issued by the Juvenile Justice Working Group (JJWG), a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders in the juvenile justice system. The JJWG was established in 2022 to examine the current state of juvenile justice in Ohio and provide recommendations for improvement.

Key Findings

  • The number of youth in Ohio's juvenile justice system has declined significantly in recent years.
  • Despite the decline, racial disparities persist within the system.
  • Youth of color are disproportionately represented at all stages of the juvenile justice process.

Recommendations

The JJWG's recommendations focus on four key areas:

  1. Prevention and Diversion: Invest in programs and services that prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system and divert them to community-based alternatives.
  2. Assessment and Treatment: Enhance assessment and treatment services for youth in the juvenile justice system, focusing on trauma-informed approaches and evidence-based practices.
  3. Racial Equity and Inclusion: Address racial disparities within the juvenile justice system by implementing data-driven strategies, providing cultural competency training, and eliminating discriminatory practices.
  4. System Collaboration and Coordination: Improve collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders involved in the juvenile justice system, including law enforcement, courts, child welfare agencies, and community organizations.

Next Steps

Governor DeWine has directed the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) to develop an implementation plan for the JJWG's recommendations. DYS will work with stakeholders to prioritize the recommendations and identify funding sources. The implementation plan is expected to be finalized by June 30th, 2023.

Conclusion

The JJWG's recommendations represent a comprehensive approach to improving the juvenile justice system in Ohio. By focusing on prevention, diversion, assessment, treatment, racial equity, and system collaboration, the recommendations aim to create a more just and effective system for youth.

Additional Resources