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Data & Trends

Prevent Juvenile Delinquency
Data & Trends Targets & Projections Background Info

TARGETS

Target-setting is an important step in achieving positive outcomes for children, youth, families and the community. In order to achieve better results, leaders can commit to setting a measurable target and a timeframe for its accomplishment. When establishing targets consider the following questions:

  • Based on trend and projection data what is an achievable target?
  • How will the target be used?
    • As an inspiration for mobilizing public will and action?
    • As a benchmark for measuring performance and accountability?
  • Can targets be set for specific groups or regions within the state?
    • How will local targets be incorporated, if at all, into the state target?
    • What support can the state give to local entities to set and achieve targets?
  • How will racial disparities, geographic differences and other variations be considered?
  • What will ensure targets are appropriately set and used over time?
  • How can you prevent targets from being misused for punitive purposes or from leading to unintended consequences and poor practices?  

PROJECTIONS

In order to achieve measureable results, it is essential to examine the direction in which a trend is likely to move.  Making projections allows policymakers to determine the current and future conditions and to set realistic and appropriate targets. When making these projections consider the following questions:

  • What do trends suggest about the current outcomes for children, families and communities?
  • What will delinquency look like in the near and distant future (for instance, after one year, three years and five years) if you continue on the current course?
  • Does the projected trend suggest positive conditions for children, youth and families?
  • If positive change is projected, is it significant? Is it enough?
  • What is the impact on communities, public systems and state budgets?

The Department of Juvenile Justice in Florida introduced a strategic plan for the 2008-2009 through 2011-12 years aimed at the reduction of juvenile arrests. The plan establishes 13 objectives that the state will work to address in order to both lower juvenile arrests and disseminate best-practices. The plan outlines that each year the Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, along with an executive leadership team, will continue to modify new targets tied to the outcomes presented in the plan

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Adolescent Health and Well-being
The National Center for Children in Poverty’s Adolescent Profiles highlight state policy choices alongside other demographic information related to the health and well-being of America's adolescents.

 
states

Setting Goals
The North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention published an issue brief with their vision, mission, goals, core values and objectives regarding young people at risk of, or engaging in, delinquency.
states

Focusing on Education in D.C.
A report by the Lexington Institute, Education Strategies for Reducing Juvenile Crime in the Nation’s Capital, addresses the link between juvenile crime and classroom success and suggests that innovative educational strategies are the most effective solution to lowering the District’s juvenile crime rate.