Since 2015, we have led the effort to develop programs that achieve desired outcomes for youth.
Our Mission
By collecting data on Nebraska's Community-based Aid Funded Programs, we are able to determine effective practices and share this information with practitioners in order to effectively keep youth from moving deeper into the juvenile justice system.
“Nebraska’s commitment to incorporating research and evaluation into its juvenile justice system is firmly rooted in legislation, but its implementation and interpretation is the responsibility of researchers and practitioners on the ground.”
What We've Achieved
In 2024, we completed evaluation reports for each program funded between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022 - resulting in 243 individual reports.
In 2016, the National Center for Juvenile Justice featured the process used by JJI as an effective and outstanding model for other states to follow.
We've developed a secure online common data collection system for 10 different types of juvenile justice programs.
Analyzed recidivism data that included sealed and unsealed records for 10,500 youth who participated in Nebraska Juvenile Diversion programs from 2012 to 2015.
Worked collaboratively with Community-based Aid funded programs to develop programs to develop common statewide definitions for program types and outcome measures.
Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Division
The Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Division is a separate and distinct budgetary program within the Nebraska Crime Commission. Funds under this program shall be used exclusively to assist aid recipients in the implementation and operation of programs or the provision of services identified in the aid recipient's comprehensive juvenile services plan, including programs for local planning and service coordination; screening, assessment, and evaluation; diversion; alternatives to detention; family support services; treatment services; truancy prevention and intervention programs; pilot projects approved by the Nebraska Crime Commission; payment of transportation costs to and from placements, evaluations, or services; personnel when the personnel are aligned with evidence-based treatment principles, programs, or practices; contracting with other state agencies or private organizations that provide evidence-based treatment or programs; pre-existing programs that are aligned with evidence-based practices or best practices; and other services that will positively impact youth and families in the juvenile justice system.
The Director of the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Division of the Nebraska Crime Commission is responsible for providing technical assistance and guidance for the development of comprehensive juvenile services plans; coordinating the review of the application and making recommendations for the distribution of funds; developing data collection and evaluation protocols, overseeing statewide data collection, and generating an annual report on the effectiveness of juvenile services that receive funds; developing relationships and collaborating with juvenile justice system stakeholders, providing education and training as necessary, and serving on boards and committees when approved by the commission; assisting juvenile justice system stakeholders in developing policies and practices that are research-based or standardized and reliable and are implemented with fidelity and which have been researched and demonstrate positive outcomes; developing and coordinating a statewide working group as a subcommittee of the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice to assist in regular strategic planning related to supporting, funding, monitoring, and evaluating the effectiveness of plans and programs receiving funds; and working with the coordinator of the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice in facilitating their obligations specific to the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program. The Financial Grants Monitor is responsible for fiscally monitoring subgrantees, processing reimbursement contingent upon documentation, reviewing cash reports, processing cash requests, and the overall fiscal oversight of the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Division.
This project is supported by a contract awarded by the Nebraska Crime Commission and points of view or opinions contained in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Nebraska Crime Commission or the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program.