To fund the research, writing, and dissemination of a publication called “Juvenile Justice Reform in Connecticut: How Collaboration and Commitment Have Improved Public Safety and Outcomes for Youth,” which documents the dramatic reform of Connecticut’s juvenile justice system over the past decade, resulting in better outcomes for youth and no impact on public safety. Writer Richard Mendel interviewed legislators, judges, advocates, practitioners and system leaders to recount the noteworthy events and policy and practice changes that helped spur reform and change the culture of state agencies from punitive to rehabilitative. The report provides a timeline of events, identifies the champions for reform and celebrates the state’s many successes, with the goal of maintaining momentum for positive change. And it provides insights that can help other jurisdictions address their juvenile justice issues.
