1Arkansas state legislation that reformed juvenile justice by mandating use of validated risk assessments, expanding diversion, and limiting detention to high-risk cases.

1The juvenile justice equivalent of a trial where a judge determines whether the youth committed the alleged offense. If adjudicated, the youth proceeds to disposition.

1A temporary detainment of a youth for non-criminal reasons, often used when waiting for placement, mental health assessment, or transport to another jurisdiction.

1The process by which agencies develop and adopt detailed regulations to carry out legislative intent in program operation.

1A formal document outlining the mission, membership, and authority of an advisory board or working group within a state or agency.

1A smaller working group formed under a state or agency board to focus on specific policy areas such as data, equity, or reentry.

1Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System — a federal database collecting case-level data on children in foster care and adoption.

1Post-custody support services that assist youth in transitioning back into the community. Often includes counseling, educational planning, mentoring, and probation-like supervision to reduce recidivism.

1A standardized collection of records, discharge summaries, and referrals sent from a custody facility to local probation or school officials to support a youth’s reentry plan.

1Post-release oversight and case management for youth reentering the community after custody, emphasizing counseling, school reintegration, and relapse prevention.

1A manager who oversees post-release services and reentry casework, ensuring timely contacts, completion of plans, and quality of aftercare supervision.

1A detailed plan created before a youth leaves custody, outlining post-release supports such as education, therapy, and family engagement.

1A cognitive-behavioral program that teaches social skills, anger control, and moral reasoning to reduce aggressive and antisocial behavior in youth.

1The process of a youth exiting foster care upon reaching the age of majority, often without permanent family placement or housing.

1Alternative Learning Environment — a specialized educational setting for students who need different instructional or behavioral support.

1Systematic error in predictive models that results in unfair outcomes for certain groups, often due to skewed or incomplete training data.

1Average Length of Stay — the average number of days a youth remains in a facility or placement during a given period.

1A public school designed to serve students at risk of academic failure or those under disciplinary sanctions, emphasizing individualized instruction and behavioral support.

1Programs such as day reporting centers, electronic monitoring, or evening programs that allow youth to remain in the community while awaiting court.

1A national organization that develops accreditation standards and provides training for correctional and juvenile facilities.

1A yearly summary submitted to state lawmakers detailing juvenile justice performance metrics, reforms, and fiscal outcomes.

1A comprehensive yearly summary of caseloads, demographics, and outcomes produced by a state juvenile justice agency for transparency and oversight.

1Alternatives to Detention — community-based programs or supervision options that allow youth to remain in the community while awaiting court outcomes.

1The loss of participants from a study or program over time, which can bias outcomes or limit representativeness.

1Area Under the ROC Curve — a performance metric for predictive models measuring how well a model distinguishes between classes.

1The initial value of a metric before an intervention begins, used to track change over time.

1A structured plan developed by educators and clinicians to address specific behavioral challenges and support positive change.

1A structured set of expectations, rewards, and consequences used to promote positive behavior and safety in residential or custodial settings.

1A licensed professional providing assessment, counseling, and treatment for youth with mental health or substance use needs, typically under a Memorandum of Understanding with the juvenile agency.

1A coordinated range of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery supports designed to meet youth needs across different service levels.

1An early assessment that identifies signs of mental illness, trauma, or substance use in youth at intake. Often a trigger for clinical referral or follow-up services.

1The process of comparing performance indicators across jurisdictions or agencies to identify best practices and areas for improvement.

1Bureau of Justice Statistics — a federal agency that collects and analyzes crime and justice data, including juvenile justice indicators.

1A sentence that combines juvenile and adult sanctions, allowing a youth to begin under juvenile jurisdiction and potentially continue in adult corrections if necessary.

1A large federal funding allocation given to states with broad discretion over how to design and implement programs within defined purposes.

1A detailed narrative explaining how requested funds will be used, linking line items to specific program goals and measurable outcomes.

1The degree to which predicted probabilities in a model match actual observed outcomes.

1Secondary or postsecondary instruction that integrates academic and technical skills to prepare students for careers in various industries.

1A coordinated approach that connects education, training, and workforce services to create clear employment routes for youth.

1The formal end of a youth's supervision, custody, or service plan, following successful completion of court-ordered conditions.

1A digital platform that records assessments, services, and outcomes for youth cases, enabling agencies to coordinate and track interventions.

1A structured meeting involving probation officers, family members, and service providers to coordinate interventions and goals for a youth’s case plan.

1A structured outline listing needs identified at intake (e.g., trauma, education gaps, substance use) alongside assigned services. Common in Louisiana and Missouri models.

1A review process in which agency staff, supervisors, and sometimes external partners examine a youth’s progress and make recommendations for next steps.

1A structured roadmap developed by probation officers that outlines the youth’s goals, required programs, and compliance expectations during supervision.

1The number of youth assigned to a probation or case manager, used to evaluate workload balance and service capacity.

1A professional responsible for case coordination, family contact, and monitoring youth participation in treatment or community programs; often embedded within probation or social services.

1A condition in longitudinal data when follow-up ends before an outcome occurs, often due to limited observation windows.

1A social services professional responsible for youth who are dually involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems, ensuring placement stability and coordination of care.

1A diversion option allowing law enforcement officers to issue a civil citation in lieu of arrest for minor offenses committed by youth.

1An initiative encouraging youth participation in community service, leadership, and decision-making as part of rehabilitation or diversion.

1A formal process allowing a licensed clinician to supersede a risk tool’s score based on diagnostic or behavioral observations that warrant a higher or lower classification.

1A secure online system that allows authorized users to access and update youth case information from multiple devices or locations.

1The simultaneous presence of both a mental health and substance use disorder requiring integrated treatment.

1A psychological approach that helps individuals recognize and change distorted thinking patterns and behaviors linked to emotional distress or misconduct.

1A group of individuals who share a common characteristic or start point and are followed over time for analysis or outcomes.

1A multidisciplinary panel that evaluates whether a youth should be committed to state custody or served in the community, ensuring decisions align with risk levels.

1An internal and external messaging strategy outlining how an agency shares updates, data, and policy changes with staff, stakeholders, and the public.

1A local panel that reviews youth cases and recommends restorative or diversionary actions, emphasizing fairness and community-based resolutions.

1An initiative empowering local organizations to manage diversion cases and apply restorative practices close to home.

1A local council of residents, advocates, and youth representatives that provides input on juvenile justice policies and community programs.

1A coordinated plan that guides how agencies build relationships with residents, families, and advocacy groups to strengthen local trust and participation.

1A written statement submitted during court or policy proceedings describing how youth offenses or reforms affect local neighborhoods.

1A short-term, non-secure facility where law enforcement can bring youth in crisis or minor offenders for assessment and service referral instead of detention.

1A formal understanding between a government agency and a community organization outlining roles, shared goals, and collaboration expectations.

1A contracted organization delivering education, counseling, restorative justice, or employment-readiness programs for justice-involved youth.

1The process of supporting youth returning to their communities after confinement through coordinated housing, education, and employment assistance.

1A restorative sanction requiring a youth to perform unpaid work that benefits the community as part of a diversion or probation agreement.

1A restorative justice sanction requiring youth to perform unpaid community work as a way to repair harm caused by their actions.

1A public or invited forum where community members, service providers, and youth advocates provide input on policy development or program performance.

1Also known as probation, this allows the youth to remain in the community under the guidance of an officer, while meeting court-ordered conditions such as therapy, check-ins, or school attendance.

1A division of probation or DYS responsible for supervising youth in the community, coordinating services, and ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions.

1A non-custodial program such as counseling, mentoring, or job training used in place of detention or incarceration to support rehabilitation in the community.

1A child welfare reform model in Texas that transfers responsibility for foster care case management and placement decisions from the state to regional nonprofit contractors.

1A point person who connects youth and families to local service providers and ensures compliance with treatment or mentoring programs.

1A court-ordered activity in which youth contribute labor or services to the community to make amends for their offense.

1A visual analytics tool allowing users to compare outcomes across programs, counties, or demographic groups.

1An official responsible for auditing facilities and practices for compliance with federal laws such as the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA).

1An annual state submission verifying adherence to JJDPA core protections and documenting facility audits.

1A state-level team that audits facilities and programs for adherence to JJDPA core protections, including deinstitutionalization of status offenders and jail removal.

1A formal document verifying that a state or local agency has met federal or statutory requirements for juvenile justice operations.

1A documentation form submitted when a state or facility fails to meet federal core protection standards.

1Legislation designed to modernize youth justice systems by standardizing assessment tools, limiting detention, and expanding diversion options.

1A statistical range that expresses the uncertainty around an estimate, typically using a 95% probability level.

1A qualitative score expressing how complete and verifiable a state’s reported juvenile justice policies or data sources are, used in comparative analyses.

1Any document or data file containing personally identifiable information about a youth, protected under state or federal confidentiality laws.

1A residential care setting where multiple youth live in a facility under 24-hour supervision, such as group homes or residential treatment centers.

1An agreement allowing a youth to avoid adjudication by completing conditions set by the court, such as community service or counseling.

1A court-approved resolution that allows a youth to avoid adjudication by meeting specific conditions such as counseling or restitution.

1The minimum frequency and type of contacts a probation or parole officer must maintain with a youth to ensure proper monitoring and support.

1An agency strategy that ensures essential functions can continue during and after disruptions such as power outages or evacuations.

1An ongoing process that uses data and feedback to assess program performance and make iterative improvements in service delivery.

1A cross-unit team within juvenile agencies that reviews data dashboards, audits case samples, and recommends process improvements based on performance metrics and disparities.

1Privately operated residential or treatment services funded through state juvenile justice or child welfare contracts for specialized youth populations.

1A comparison group in an evaluation that does not receive the intervention, allowing researchers to isolate the program’s true effects.

1A set of evidence-based supervision techniques that emphasize positive reinforcement, empathy, and skill-building to support youth behavior change.

1A state-level review ensuring facilities meet JJDPA compliance in areas of safety, sight and sound separation, and status offender detention.

1The physical disciplining of students by school staff, still permitted in some U.S. states though increasingly restricted by policy reform.

1A written response outlining steps to address deficiencies identified during inspections, audits, or accreditation reviews.

1A formal document outlining steps and timelines for a state or facility to regain compliance with JJDPA core protections.

1A formal document describing how administrative costs are distributed among programs and funding sources to ensure compliance with federal requirements.

1A fiscal principle ensuring that a policy or program change does not increase overall government spending, often used in pilot or reform legislation.

1An economic evaluation method that compares the monetary value of a program’s benefits to its implementation costs to determine efficiency.

1A local governing body that oversees county juvenile probation departments, approves budgets and policies, and appoints the chief juvenile probation officer.

1A data specialist who compiles, validates, and reports juvenile court metrics—such as timeliness, outcomes, and disparity indicators—to inform policy and practice.

1A designated coordinator who manages communication and record transfers between juvenile court, probation, detention, and community providers to keep cases moving.

1A division of the judicial branch that provides probation supervision, intake screening, and case management services for youth referred to juvenile court.

1Mandated services such as substance abuse counseling, trauma-informed therapy, or educational programs. Treatment is tailored to the youth’s risk profile and may be a condition of probation or a disposition alternative.

1A mentorship model pairing justice-involved youth with trained mentors who have lived experience in the justice system to build trust and promote positive behavior.

1An academic program allowing students who have fallen behind or been detained to make up coursework and earn credits toward graduation.

1Immediate intervention protocols for youth in acute distress, such as those exhibiting suicidal ideation or aggressive behavior. May involve mobile response teams, crisis stabilization units, or emergency mental health evaluations.

1A licensed behavioral health professional who responds to acute youth crises, provides brief stabilization, and coordinates follow-up treatment or respite care.

1An urgent referral to a licensed provider for youth in acute psychological distress, often used in lieu of detention following an intake mental health flag.

1A short-term facility providing immediate mental health assessment and support for youth experiencing acute psychological crises.

1An official record of any serious event within a facility, such as injury, use of force, or escape, requiring immediate administrative review.

1Policies and practices aimed at safeguarding essential systems—such as data centers, communications, and transportation—from threats or disasters.

1A coordinated professional development effort that brings together staff from different systems to improve collaboration and shared understanding of youth services.

1A cooperative model between juvenile justice, education, mental health, and community organizations to provide holistic support to justice-involved youth.

1Youth who have involvement in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, often facing higher risks of recidivism and instability.

1A coordinated approach designed to improve outcomes for youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems through shared data and joint case planning.

1A specialized coordination team focusing on youth involved in both child welfare and juvenile justice, aligning care plans, court processes, and educational supports.

1Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children — a form of human trafficking involving minors who are coerced or exploited for sex or labor.

1Professional development that enhances staff understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds to improve communication and reduce bias in youth services.

1Children Without Placement — term used in Texas for foster youth temporarily housed in offices or unlicensed settings due to lack of available placements.

1Disciplinary Alternative Education Program — a placement for students who violate certain school conduct codes in Texas public schools.

1An internal division within juvenile justice agencies responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting case-level data on referrals, outcomes, and disparities to inform policy decisions.

1A standardized procedure for creating secure data copies and restoring systems in the event of hardware failure or cyberattack.

1The framework of policies and procedures that ensure the integrity, security, and ethical use of data across agencies and programs.

1An interagency group that sets standards for data sharing, privacy, and handoffs across justice, education, and health systems and resolves interoperability issues.

1The process of linking information from multiple systems—such as justice, education, and child welfare—to build a complete picture of youth experiences and outcomes.

1A state-level working group convened to develop secure data-sharing solutions and standardized reporting across agencies.

1The delay between when an event occurs and when it is recorded or reported in official data systems.

1The combination of multiple years or datasets to stabilize estimates when dealing with small populations or limited counts.

1A set of procedures ensuring that data collected from agencies are accurate, complete, and consistent before being used for analysis or reporting.

1The regular schedule on which agencies collect, verify, and submit official performance and population data to state or federal systems.

1A formal document defining how agencies exchange, protect, and use data, specifying privacy standards and authorized access.

1The responsible management of data assets, ensuring accuracy, security, and appropriate use throughout their lifecycle.

1A confidentiality safeguard that withholds or masks small cell counts in published data to prevent identification of individuals.

1The practice of making government data and performance metrics publicly available to ensure accountability and foster public trust.

1A formal contract specifying how shared data can be used, stored, and protected between collaborating organizations.

1A standardized checklist or process to ensure accuracy and completeness of data before publication or transmission.

1Department of Children and Family Services — handles child welfare, foster care, and cross-over youth connected to both dependency and delinquency systems.

1A minor or technical infraction of compliance standards not significant enough to affect overall program eligibility.

1Behavioral strategies used by staff to defuse tense or aggressive situations and prevent the use of physical restraints or confinement.

1The process of removing or masking personally identifiable information from datasets to protect individual privacy.

1A court arrangement that delays a formal adjudication while a youth completes supervision or service conditions.

1An agreement that postpones formal court action while a youth completes specified conditions, resulting in case dismissal upon successful completion.

1A federal requirement prohibiting secure detention of youth for noncriminal behaviors such as truancy or running away.

1The progressive sequence of risk factors, unmet needs, and environmental triggers that can contribute to repeated juvenile offenses. Used in structured decision-making to inform diversion vs. commitment.

1An offense committed by a youth that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult, forming the legal basis for court referral or adjudication.

1A court proceeding (usually within 24–72 hours of arrest) where a judge reviews whether a youth should remain in detention or be released. Often includes a probable cause review and recommendation for assessments.

1The statutory window—typically within 24 to 72 hours—within which a judge must review a youth’s detention status after arrest.

1A multidisciplinary group that meets regularly to review detention decisions, evaluate compliance with statutory criteria, and identify youth who can be safely released or diverted.

1A local review group that audits detention screening results and practice to ensure decisions follow validated tools and the least-restrictive standard.

1A standardized tool used at intake to assess whether a youth poses a flight or safety risk and to determine if detention is warranted.

1A comprehensive guide outlining minimum requirements for juvenile detention facility operations, including safety, staffing, and programming standards.

1A blended juvenile–adult sentence in which a youth may begin a term in juvenile custody and continue in adult prison if the sentence is not completed by a certain age.

1A structured, skills-based therapy combining cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness to reduce self-harm and impulsive behavior.

1An online version of the traditional paper intake process that captures youth demographic, legal, and risk information for centralized databases.

1An internal review within a facility to determine appropriate consequences for rule violations while safeguarding youth due process rights.

1The court's final decision after adjudication, which may include probation, commitment, diversion, or dismissal.

1The final stage of juvenile court proceedings where the judge decides the outcome for an adjudicated youth—probation, diversion, residential treatment, or commitment.

1A decision-making grid that links offense severity and risk levels to recommended court outcomes, promoting fairness and consistency in sentencing.

1A structured grid that matches a youth’s risk level and offense severity to recommended interventions or placement levels, often used to guide fair and consistent decisions.

1A state-level evaluation of racial disparities at key points in the juvenile justice process, required under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.

1Policy-based conditions that determine whether a youth qualifies for informal handling rather than formal court processing, often based on risk level, offense type, or prior history.

1A non-judicial resolution for youth who commit low-level offenses, allowing them to avoid formal court proceedings by fulfilling agreed-upon conditions such as counseling, community service, or restitution. Completion typically results in case dismissal and no juvenile record.

1A multidisciplinary team composed of probation officers, caseworkers, and community partners who operate diversion programs aimed at keeping eligible youth out of formal court processing.

1The state agency responsible for operating or contracting residential programs, overseeing probation standards, and managing reentry and aftercare services for youth committed to state custody.

1Disproportionate Minority Contact — an earlier term for Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) in juvenile justice data and policy.

1A coordinated school or community initiative aimed at identifying at-risk students early and providing targeted supports to keep them engaged in education.

1Diagnostic standards from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used by clinicians to assess and diagnose behavioral health issues in youth.

1Legal protections ensuring fair procedures in disciplinary, court, or administrative actions involving youth, including notice and the right to be heard.

1A placement in a secure or non-secure program operated or contracted by the Division of Youth Services for adjudicated youth in Arkansas.

1A prevention strategy that provides counseling, mentoring, or education to at-risk youth before they become involved in the justice system.

1An advocate who ensures educational continuity for justice-involved youth, overseeing credit transfer, IEP implementation, and school re-enrollment after detention or placement.

1The process of returning a youth to their home school or another educational setting after detention or placement. States like Louisiana mandate that schools re-enroll adjudicated youth without delay.

1A designated staff member who ensures that youth returning from detention or placement are promptly re-enrolled in school and receive appropriate supports.

1An interagency collaboration between juvenile justice, education, and special education personnel to ensure smooth re-enrollment, credit transfer, and compliance with IDEA/504 during transitions.

1A quantitative measure of the magnitude of an intervention’s impact, often used in evaluations to interpret the strength of outcomes.

1Electronic Monitoring — supervision technology using GPS or radio frequency devices to track youth compliance with release or probation conditions.

1Scheduled exercises conducted to test preparedness and staff response for scenarios like fires, lockdowns, or severe weather events.

1A facility or agency plan detailing procedures for responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, medical crises, or security threats.

1A tool measuring youth skills, interests, and barriers to employment to guide job training or placement services.

1A data visualization tool tracking racial and ethnic disparities in justice, education, and service outcomes to inform reform strategies.

1A measure that evaluates disparities in outcomes or access across demographic groups, often disaggregated by race, gender, or geography.

1A multidisciplinary group that monitors racial, ethnic, and gender disparities across the pipeline and recommends corrective actions and transparency practices.

1Agency standards outlining expected staff behavior, confidentiality obligations, and conflict-of-interest rules when working with youth.

1A document outlining the objectives, data sources, and methods for assessing program effectiveness and impact.

1A structured after-school supervision and enrichment program for moderate-risk youth, providing a community-based alternative to detention.

1A structured after-school supervision program providing daily activities, counseling, and support to youth awaiting court or disposition as an alternative to detention.

1A statistical rate that counts every occurrence or incident, even if multiple events involve the same person.

1An online database that reviews and rates the effectiveness of programs and interventions based on research evidence, such as the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.

1A standardized system used to classify programs by the strength of their research evidence, such as ‘Promising,’ ‘Effective,’ or ‘Well-Supported.’

1An intervention or program that has been scientifically tested and shown to produce positive outcomes for participants.

1A federal database cataloging clinical interventions that meet scientific standards for effectiveness and reliability.

1A periodic financial statement showing how allocated funds were spent by category, program, or fiscal quarter.

1The legal destruction or deletion of juvenile records so they no longer exist for any purpose under law.

1A voluntary program that allows eligible young adults who age out of foster care to continue receiving services and housing supports up to age 21.

1Formal recognition that a juvenile justice facility meets national standards for safety, programming, and management as verified by an external agency.

1The manager of a secure or non-secure juvenile facility responsible for staff supervision, policy compliance, safety standards, and service coordination with courts and agencies.

1A standardized framework for categorizing juvenile facilities by security level, function, and population served.

1A written guide provided to youth upon intake that outlines rules, rights, disciplinary procedures, and grievance options within the facility.

1A collaboration between government agencies and religious organizations that provide mentoring, reentry, or prevention programs for youth.

1The proportion of cases incorrectly identified as high-risk or likely to reoffend by a predictive model or screening tool.

1A structured method for including families in the assessment, planning, and service delivery for justice-involved youth.

1Intentional efforts to involve families as active partners in case planning and service delivery to improve youth outcomes and reduce recidivism.

1Federal legislation passed in 2018 that incentivizes states to invest in evidence-based prevention services and reduce reliance on congregate care placements.

1A restorative process bringing together youth, family, and affected parties to make collective decisions about accountability and reparation.

1A structured process to resolve family conflict through dialogue facilitated by a neutral mediator.

1A trained caregiver with lived experience who supports other families navigating the behavioral health or justice systems.

1An in-home service model aimed at preventing out-of-home placement by strengthening family stability and parenting capacity.

1A therapeutic process aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring relationships between youth and family after separation or custody placement.

1A staff role—often within a state child or youth services agency—focused on engaging caregivers, coordinating services, and supporting aftercare for justice-involved youth.

1A collaborative planning session involving youth, family members, probation officers, and service providers to align supports and set shared case goals.

1A treatment model that involves family members in therapy sessions to improve communication and resolve conflict.

1A centralized database used by OJJDP to track state compliance with JJDPA requirements and grant performance metrics.

1Adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, ensuring that student education records remain confidential unless consent is provided.

1Documentation of a probation officer’s in-person meeting with a youth at home, school, or in the community, noting compliance and progress.

1A diversion program for youth with minor offenses, allowing them to avoid formal charges by completing counseling or community service.

1The distribution of budgeted funds within a defined annual period, typically from October 1 to September 30 for federal agencies.

1A predefined time window, such as 6, 12, or 24 months, during which outcomes like re-arrest or program completion are tracked for evaluation purposes.

1A fixed time period (such as 6, 12, or 24 months) after a key event used to measure outcomes like re-arrest or re-entry.

1A structured agreement initiated when informal efforts aren’t viable. Often includes documentation, supervision, and may involve the prosecutor. Serves as a bridge between informal handling and adjudication.

1A federal funding mechanism under the JJDPA that supports state and local juvenile justice improvement efforts.

1A cognitive-behavioral curriculum of self-guided workbooks used by probation departments to teach decision-making and responsibility to youth offenders.

1An evidence-based intervention focusing on family engagement and behavior change to reduce recidivism among at-risk youth.

1A state or federal method for distributing funds to local jurisdictions based on population, need, or performance indicators.

1The percentage of participants who successfully earn a General Educational Development credential after program enrollment or custody release.

1A system of earned rewards used alongside graduated sanctions to reinforce positive behavior and compliance during probation or supervision.

1A structured behavioral framework that applies proportional rewards or sanctions to youth based on compliance, promoting accountability and positive reinforcement.

1A standardized system that pairs positive incentives and proportional sanctions to encourage behavior change during supervision.

1A tiered disciplinary model that applies proportionate consequences for probation violations or noncompliance, escalating only when prior interventions fail.

1A school-based initiative that assists students at risk of dropping out—such as teen parents or youth returning from custody—by offering tutoring, flexible scheduling, and counseling.

1The oversight process used to ensure that grant recipients follow federal and state regulations, spending guidelines, and reporting timelines.

1A community-based residential program offering structured supervision and therapeutic services for youth who do not require secure confinement.

1A transitional residential facility for youth preparing to reenter the community from custody, providing structured supervision, education, and counseling.

1Education provided to youth or families to improve understanding of medical information and participation in care decisions.

1Conformance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which safeguards medical and behavioral health information from unauthorized disclosure.

1Homeless Management Information System — a local database for tracking services and outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

1A community-based housing approach that places youth experiencing homelessness with screened volunteer families for temporary stability and support.

1Assistance provided to homeless or transitioning youth to locate, secure, and maintain stable housing, often through case management and landlord mediation.

1An internal note during intake or assessment indicating that a youth has an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) for special education needs.

1An assessment of how well a program is being delivered compared to its design, often identifying barriers, resource gaps, or training needs.

1The extent to which a new program or reform is carried out as intended by its original design or policy framework.

1The study of methods that promote the adoption and integration of evidence-based interventions into routine practice.

1Education for professionals to recognize and mitigate unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect decision-making in youth services.

1Continuing education courses required to maintain certification and ensure staff stay updated on best practices and policy changes.

1A standardized management structure used during emergencies to coordinate response, communication, and resource allocation.

1A formal plan developed for students with disabilities under IDEA, outlining specific educational goals and the services the school will provide. Juvenile facilities must ensure continued provision of these services while in custody and upon reentry.

1A school-based plan that supports youth with disabilities or justice involvement in achieving education and career goals during reentry.

1A non-court resolution agreement involving the youth, family, and intake officer. Conditions may include counseling, school attendance, or community service. Used in lieu of formal court processing.

1A non-court contract between a youth, guardian, and intake officer establishing behavior goals and services to avoid formal adjudication.

1A signed consent form that permits the sharing of specific youth information among agencies, consistent with privacy regulations.

1A structured process to evaluate whether a youth should be held in secure detention pending a court hearing. Often includes a validated risk assessment to guide the decision.

1The initial evaluation process conducted when a youth enters the juvenile system, gathering background, risk, and behavioral information to guide next steps.

1A designated staff person who oversees initial screening and routing decisions at the point of youth system entry.

1The final administrative recommendation made at the intake stage — such as dismissal, diversion, formal court petition, or referral to services.

1A probation or court staff member who conducts risk and needs screenings at the time of referral, determines eligibility for diversion, and prepares the case for prosecutorial review or petition.

1A compiled set of forms and assessments completed at the point of intake, including behavioral screenings, educational background, risk assessment scores, and legal history.

1A service approach that blends mental health and substance use care into unified, youth-centered treatment plans.

1A coordinated care plan developed by multiple service providers to address a youth’s mental health, substance use, and behavioral needs simultaneously.

1A formal memorandum of understanding between government entities outlining data sharing, referral procedures, or joint service responsibilities for youth.

1A formalized commitment among multiple agencies—such as justice, education, and behavioral health—to coordinate services and share data for youth outcomes.

1A coordinated process that allows multiple systems—such as education, probation, and behavioral health—to securely share case-level information.

1A collaborative meeting where professionals from multiple disciplines jointly assess a youth’s progress and adjust service plans accordingly.

1A legislative request to research a policy topic between sessions, often leading to new bills or amendments in the following term.

1The ability of distinct data systems to exchange and use information seamlessly, supporting coordinated case management and policy analysis.

1An administrator responsible for arranging qualified interpreters and ensuring language access across hearings, case planning, and service appointments.

1A federal protection under the JJDPA prohibiting the placement of juveniles in adult jails except under limited circumstances.

1Juvenile Case Management System — Texas’s statewide database that connects juvenile probation departments and tracks cases through every stage.

1Juvenile Detention Alternative Coordinator — supports implementation of detention reform models like JDAI and helps reduce unnecessary detention.

1Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program — an academic setting for students expelled from school, where they continue coursework during their suspension.

1Participation in a federally funded residential training program providing education and employment skills to disadvantaged youth.

1Juvenile On-Line Tracking System — Oklahoma’s centralized database for managing juvenile records, from referral through release.

1Juvenile Probation Officer — supervises youth on probation, manages compliance, referrals, and court reporting.

1An administrative officer of the court responsible for maintaining case files, processing petitions, recording orders, and coordinating hearing schedules.

1A judicial officer with authority over delinquency, dependency, and status offense cases involving minors. Judges oversee detention, adjudication, disposition, and review hearings, ensuring due process and least-restrictive placement.

1A national reform effort supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that helps jurisdictions safely reduce reliance on secure detention through evidence-based strategies.

1A local or state-level leadership team implementing the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s JDAI framework, focusing on reducing unnecessary detention and racial disparities.

1A certified staff member who supervises youth in short-term detention facilities, maintains safety and order, and documents behavior and program participation.

1Programs in Texas and similar states that provide educational services to youth expelled for serious misbehavior. Operates separately from traditional schools but must meet full academic standards.

1Federal legislation establishing core protections for youth in custody and setting standards for state juvenile justice systems.

1An interagency and community advisory body that develops local juvenile justice plans, coordinates funding priorities, and monitors program outcomes.

1A state-appointed body responsible for monitoring juvenile justice reform implementation, evaluating outcomes, and recommending policy improvements.

1A state-operated institution providing mandatory certification and ongoing education for juvenile probation, parole, and facility staff.

1A court-appointed officer who supervises youth placed on probation, monitors compliance with court orders, coordinates services, and provides progress reports to the judge.

1An attorney representing the state in juvenile cases, responsible for deciding whether to file petitions, offering diversion, or pursuing adjudication based on statutory and policy criteria.

1A privacy model requiring that each released record be indistinguishable from at least k−1 others with respect to certain identifying attributes.

1A quantifiable metric that tracks progress toward specific program or agency objectives, such as reduced detention days or increased diversion rates.

1An extension of k-anonymity ensuring that sensitive values within any group appear with sufficient diversity to prevent inference attacks.

1Louisiana Model for Secure Care — a therapeutic framework modeled after Missouri’s rehabilitative approach, emphasizing small-group treatment and education in youth facilities.

1The placement setting that meets a youth’s supervision or treatment needs while allowing the greatest possible freedom consistent with public safety.

1The placement option that meets a youth’s treatment or safety needs while imposing the fewest limits on freedom, consistent with public safety.

1A standing group of lawmakers responsible for reviewing the implementation and outcomes of major youth justice or child welfare reforms.

1Funds provided by a state agency to support county-level juvenile programs such as diversion, community supervision, or mental health services.

1A term describing the uneven application of tools, diversion options, or procedures across counties or circuits within a single state.

1A visual representation linking a program’s resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes to clarify how change is expected to occur.

1A measure that tracks the same cohort of youth over time to observe developmental or programmatic outcomes.

1A research design that follows the same individuals over time to observe changes in behavior, outcomes, or conditions.

1A period of at least two weeks characterized by persistent sadness or loss of interest, as defined by clinical diagnostic criteria and measured in youth surveys.

1Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument – Second Version; a brief mental health screening tool used at intake to identify emotional or behavioral issues in youth entering the justice system.

1Federal law ensuring educational stability and enrollment rights for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

1A short notice distributed to journalists announcing upcoming press conferences, public hearings, or report releases related to juvenile justice.

1The process of monitoring and adjusting prescribed psychiatric medications to ensure safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

1A written agreement outlining responsibilities, data sharing, and referral protocols among partner organizations in youth-serving systems.

1A behavioral health check (often using tools like MAYSI-2) administered at intake to identify acute or chronic mental health needs and determine service referrals.

1A structured relationship between an adult mentor and a youth mentee designed to build trust, provide guidance, and promote positive development.

1A structured document describing the meaning, format, and allowable values of each variable in a dataset to promote clarity and consistency.

1A rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice emphasizing small, therapeutic facilities, individualized treatment, and family engagement rather than punishment.

1The process of testing a predictive model’s accuracy and fairness using independent data to ensure reliable performance.

1The comprehensive list of all juvenile facilities subject to inspection under JJDPA compliance monitoring.

1A cognitive-behavioral treatment approach designed to enhance moral reasoning and reduce recidivism by addressing decision-making patterns.

1A counseling approach that helps youth explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change through empathy and guided dialogue.

1A collaborative panel of probation officers, clinicians, educators, and family members who jointly develop and monitor case and treatment plans for court-involved youth.

1A group of professionals from different fields—such as education, behavioral health, and probation—who jointly plan and monitor a youth’s treatment plan.

1An intensive, home-based treatment model targeting serious juvenile offenders by addressing the youth’s family, peers, school, and community systems.

1National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System — a federal repository of child maltreatment reports and agency responses.

1A community-based forum where trained volunteers review youth cases and develop restorative agreements.

1National Survey on Drug Use and Health — an annual survey providing national estimates of substance use and mental health indicators.

1A state-level agency (as in Louisiana and others) overseeing juvenile probation, detention, and reentry programs, implementing reform initiatives, and coordinating data and compliance reporting.

1A dedicated team within each state responsible for monitoring facility compliance and coordinating with OJJDP on audit findings.

1Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention — a federal agency supporting state and local efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency.

1An independent advocate who investigates complaints about juvenile facilities and agencies, ensuring fairness, safety, and adherence to rights standards.

1A systematic assessment of whether a policy or program achieved its intended results, typically comparing baseline and post-intervention data.

1A structured model linking program activities to intended results, providing a foundation for performance measurement and accountability.

1A quantifiable indicator used to assess the results or impacts of a program, such as school re-enrollment or recidivism reduction.

1An integrated data platform used to follow participant progress and program results across multiple domains such as education and recidivism.

1Documentation required when a staff member alters an automated or standardized assessment result, detailing reasons and supervisor approval.

1A structured program providing caregivers with skills and support to manage challenging youth behaviors and strengthen relationships.

1Community-based monitoring for youth released from state custody, focusing on compliance with reentry plans and continued rehabilitation.

1A youth-led diversion program where peers hear minor cases and recommend restorative consequences under adult supervision.

1A status used when a youth has been committed to a program but is awaiting available space or facility assignment.

1OJJDP’s standardized indicators for evaluating outcomes of federally funded juvenile justice programs.

1A predefined target value or standard against which a program's performance is measured to assess progress or success.

1An interactive online tool that visualizes key indicators such as recidivism, education outcomes, and service utilization for policymakers and the public.

1A measurable value used to track progress toward a program or policy goal, such as recidivism reduction or treatment completion.

1An ongoing data collection and analysis process that tracks key program metrics to support decision-making and reporting.

1A fiscal model that ties a portion of agency or program funding to measurable outcomes such as reduced recidivism or improved graduation rates.

1A measure of whether youth in foster care achieve long-term stability through reunification, guardianship, or adoption within a specified timeframe.

1A structured meeting process that brings together child welfare staff, supervisors, and specialists to identify creative solutions for achieving permanency for youth in foster care.

1A statistical rate that counts each person once, regardless of the number of incidents, emphasizing unique individuals.

1A periodic evaluation of whether a youth’s residential or custodial placement remains appropriate. It assesses behavior, treatment progress, and risk factors to determine if the youth can be stepped down to a less restrictive setting.

1A court or agency panel that evaluates youth progress during residential placement and approves step-downs to less-restrictive settings when criteria are met.

1An annual survey conducted by HUD Continuums of Care to estimate the number of people, including unaccompanied youth, experiencing homelessness on a single night in January.

1The process of ensuring that laws, regulations, and agency practices across sectors are consistent with shared goals, such as youth rehabilitation or diversion.

1A concise, research-based summary prepared for legislators or decision-makers to outline an issue, analyze impacts, and recommend solutions.

1A structured roadmap outlining timelines, responsibilities, and milestones for executing new laws or agency reforms.

1A SCYM-specific rating of how verifiable a state’s juvenile justice practices are based on publicly available documentation.

1Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers — a brief self-report tool that screens for substance use, mental health, and family or school problems in adolescents.

1A strengths-based framework emphasizing youth assets, competencies, and engagement rather than deficits or risks.

1A statistical adjustment that re-weights sample data to better match known population totals.

1Programs or supervision options provided to youth before a court has made a final determination of delinquency, often used as an alternative to secure detention.

1An intervention that redirects youth from formal justice processing at the point of police contact, connecting them to community services instead.

1Monitoring or programming applied to a youth before the court has issued a final legal disposition, often as an alternative to secure detention.

1Adherence to the Prison Rape Elimination Act standards that require prevention, detection, and response protocols for sexual abuse in confinement settings.

1The use of statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes based on historical data.

1A comprehensive document compiled before disposition, outlining the youth's risk level, personal history, service needs, and recommended outcomes.

1The initial court appearance where charges are reviewed, detention is reassessed, and legal representation is established.

1A record linkage method that uses statistical models to estimate the likelihood that two records refer to the same individual.

1A legal determination, usually at the detention hearing, where a judge or officer evaluates whether there is sufficient evidence to continue holding the youth pending adjudication.

1A local or county-level office that supervises youth on probation, administers diversion programs, conducts pre-disposition investigations, and ensures compliance with court orders.

1An experienced officer who oversees juvenile probation caseloads, approves case plans and overrides, and ensures responses to violations follow policy and proportionality.

1An analysis of how a program is implemented, focusing on fidelity, participation, and operational barriers rather than outcomes.

1A structured training roadmap for juvenile justice staff that identifies required competencies, certifications, and continuing education goals.

1An independent examination of an agency or program to assess compliance, fiscal accountability, and performance effectiveness.

1The percentage of participants who successfully finish a diversion, treatment, or educational program according to its established criteria.

1The degree to which an intervention or evidence-based program is implemented as designed, affecting its effectiveness and replicability.

1A structured framework in Texas juvenile justice that prescribes graduated responses to youth offenses, ensuring consistency and proportionality across counties.

1A structured system that guides courts and probation departments in applying escalating but proportional consequences for juvenile offenses or violations.

1A condition or attribute that reduces the likelihood of negative outcomes or enhances youth resilience.

1A community-based supervision status used by courts for youth who require oversight but not formal custody placement.

1An indirect measure used to estimate a concept that is difficult to observe directly, such as risk or well-being.

1A licensed program providing intensive, 24-hour behavioral health care for youth with serious emotional or psychiatric disorders.

1A comprehensive assessment examining social, emotional, and behavioral functioning to inform treatment planning.

1A designated timeframe during which citizens and stakeholders can review and provide feedback on proposed policies or administrative rules.

1A court-appointed lawyer who provides legal representation to indigent youth, ensuring their rights are protected throughout detention, adjudication, and disposition stages.

1An agency staff member responsible for managing media relations, public statements, and crisis communication on behalf of the organization.

1A systematic internal check to ensure that programs are operating according to policy, standards, and evidence-based practices.

1A JJDPA provision directing states to address and reduce disproportionate minority contact within the juvenile justice system.

1A structured analysis used to evaluate how proposed laws, policies, or programs may differentially affect racial and ethnic groups.

1Risk Assessment Instrument — a screening tool used at intake in many states to determine whether a youth should be detained or released.

1Juvenile justice reform raising the upper age of juvenile court jurisdiction, typically from 17 to 18, to keep older teens in the youth system rather than adult court.

1Missouri legislation that shifted 17-year-olds from adult to juvenile court jurisdiction, effective January 2021, aligning the state with national juvenile standards.

1An iterative post-stratification technique that adjusts survey weights across multiple dimensions to align with population controls.

1Risk and Needs Assessment — a structured assessment used by Texas juvenile probation departments to guide supervision and service decisions.

1A housing-first intervention that helps youth and families quickly move into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance and supportive services.

1A description of which youth are included in a recidivism calculation, such as those released within a specific year or supervision type.

1The percentage of youth who commit a new offense or violation within a defined period after release from supervision or custody.

1A coordinated set of interventions—such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, aftercare services, and education programs—implemented to lower rates of reoffending among youth.

1The standardized time frame used to measure repeat offending or re-arrest after release, such as 6, 12, or 24 months.

1A coordinated network of community-based services and supports that promote long-term recovery and resilience.

1Racial and Ethnic Disparities — disproportionate representation of racial or ethnic groups at various decision points in the juvenile justice system.

1A community-based program that helps dropouts and disengaged youth return to school or workforce training through counseling and placement support.

1A performance measure tracking the percentage of disconnected youth who return to school, job training, or employment within a specified period.

1A team of reentry coordinators, caseworkers, and mentors that develops transition plans for youth leaving placement, ensuring continuity of care and community reintegration.

1A performance indicator tracking the percentage of released youth who receive a documented contact or follow-up within a defined time period, such as 30 days.

1A case manager who develops reentry plans, coordinates aftercare services, and monitors school and treatment linkages during the youth’s transition from placement to community.

1A structured mentor relationship supporting youth transitioning from confinement to community life, focusing on education and employment.

1A set of documents and referrals prepared for youth leaving custody, including educational records, health summaries, and aftercare service plans.

1The structured process of preparing a youth for return to the community, school, or family life after residential placement or detention.

1A forward-looking strategy prepared before a youth exits custody, detailing their next school, support services, vocational opportunities, and family coordination points.

1The formal process of a youth being reported or transferred to juvenile justice authorities, often from schools, police, or child welfare.

1A youth residential center that serves multiple jurisdictions or counties, designed to provide equitable access to treatment and custody services.

1A Texas program that funds counties to serve youth locally instead of committing them to state juvenile facilities, promoting smaller, community-based care models.

1A custodial model centered on treatment, education, and reentry preparation rather than punitive confinement.

1The specific criteria a system uses to determine when a youth has reoffended, often distinguishing between new charges, adjudications, or technical violations.

1The minimum number of cases or events required before a category or rate can be published to protect confidentiality and statistical reliability.

1A memorandum of understanding between agencies and researchers outlining data-sharing rules, confidentiality terms, and project goals for collaborative evaluation.

1A court directive requiring a youth to compensate victims financially or through community service for losses resulting from their actions.

1A facilitated discussion where youth, victims, and community members explore harm, responsibility, and paths to repair.

1A model of justice emphasizing accountability, restitution, and healing rather than punishment. In juvenile contexts, it often includes youth writing apologies, meeting with victims, or performing community service to repair harm.

1A facilitated meeting among youth, victims, and community members to discuss harm caused and agree on steps toward accountability and repair.

1A trained mediator who guides victim–offender conferences or community circles, helping youth take accountability and repair harm.

1A coordinated group of facilitators and service providers implementing victim-offender dialogues, restorative circles, and reparative agreements within community programs or probation.

1An educational and justice approach focused on repairing harm through dialogue, accountability, and community engagement rather than punishment.

1A structured tool used to evaluate a youth’s likelihood of reoffending and identify the specific services needed for rehabilitation.

1A characteristic or condition associated with an increased probability of delinquency or negative developmental outcomes.

1A manual adjustment made by staff to a youth’s risk assessment score when professional judgment indicates that the standardized tool under- or overestimates actual risk.

1A written explanation required when staff choose to override the score of a risk assessment tool, typically based on clinical judgment or safety concerns.

1The process of categorizing individuals into different risk levels based on assessment data to guide supervision and service intensity.

1A policy restricting the use of isolation or room confinement for youth to short, defined durations and only for safety reasons.

1A federal grant initiative that funds community organizations providing outreach, crisis intervention, shelter, and family reunification services for homeless and runaway youth.

1A systematic review of facility environments and practices to identify potential risks to youth or staff and ensure compliance with safety standards.

1Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — a federal agency that leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health.

1Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth — a validated risk assessment tool used by juvenile justice systems to assess a youth’s likelihood of reoffending.

1A state or district regulation that requires timely readmission of youth returning from custody, preventing delays in educational continuity.

1A coordinated strategy to help youth reenter school successfully after suspension, expulsion, or detention.

1A formal agreement between schools, courts, and law enforcement to reduce student referrals to the juvenile justice system and promote in-school interventions.

1A coordinated model that integrates multiple screening tools to evaluate youth mental health, substance use, and risk levels.

1A structured process used at intake to determine the youth’s risk level, service needs, and eligibility for diversion. Common tools include the SAVRY, RAI, YASI, and MAYSI-2, which guide decisions about detention, diversion, or further processing.

1The structured path from intake assessment to service referral, including how data is used to activate mental health, educational, or family-based supports.

1A process by which juvenile records are closed to public access but may remain available to courts or law enforcement for limited purposes.

1Emotional distress experienced by professionals who work with traumatized youth, often addressed through training and staff wellness initiatives.

1A locked facility used for the short-term confinement of youth awaiting court hearings or transfer to longer-term placement.

1A disruption in a data trend caused by a change in definitions, methods, or system design that makes comparisons across years invalid.

1The defined process by which youth are referred from intake or assessment to specific community services, ensuring continuity and follow-up.

1A condition in which local diversion or community support programs have reached maximum capacity, limiting options for non-custodial placement.

1A JJDPA mandate requiring that youth in custody be kept separate from adult inmates both visually and audibly.

1An official evaluation conducted by oversight agencies to verify facility compliance with licensing, safety, and accreditation requirements.

1A therapeutic youth residential setting with fewer than 50 residents, designed to promote close staff relationships and individualized care.

1A data privacy rule that hides or masks results when the number of individuals in a cell is below a specified threshold.

1A structured approach to involving families, youth, community partners, and agencies in the planning and evaluation of programs.

1A federally mandated council of youth justice experts and stakeholders that advises governors on compliance and policy priorities.

1A formal plan submitted to OJJDP describing how a state will implement, monitor, and enforce federal juvenile justice protections.

1An interagency group advising the state legislature and governor on reform priorities, funding allocations, and policy alignment with national standards.

1An offense that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult, such as truancy, running away, or curfew violations.

1A policy movement aimed at diverting youth charged with noncriminal behaviors such as truancy or running away away from detention and toward community-based services.

1A legal requirement established by legislation that directs agencies to perform specific duties or implement particular programs.

1A transition from a higher security or treatment level to a less restrictive setting as a youth progresses in rehabilitation or nears reentry.

1A transitional program designed to move youth from secure placement to less restrictive environments while maintaining structured supervision.

1An overarching plan that organizes multi-year system reforms into measurable goals, guiding principles, and evaluation milestones.

1A treatment provider trained to assess and assist youth with substance dependency or misuse, often assigned through diversion or as part of a probation plan.

1A specialized screening that identifies the extent and pattern of drug or alcohol use in justice-involved youth, often used for treatment referral.

1A clinical diagnosis indicating problematic use of alcohol or drugs that leads to significant impairment or distress.

1A standardized questionnaire used to identify early signs of alcohol or drug use among youth for targeted intervention.

1A periodic legislative evaluation determining whether an agency, board, or program should continue, be modified, or end based on performance and relevance.

1A structured professional development pathway for staff promoted to management, emphasizing leadership, ethics, and staff coaching skills.

1The available infrastructure, staffing, and resources within a juvenile or child welfare system to deliver services effectively to youth.

1A framework that promotes collaboration among child-serving agencies to provide a comprehensive range of community-based mental health services for youth and families.

1A breach of probation or parole rules that does not constitute a new offense, such as missing curfew or failing to attend counseling.

1A coordinated effort to upgrade agency information systems, improve cybersecurity, and expand digital access to data and reports.

1Tennessee Family and Child Tracking System — the state’s integrated database for child welfare and juvenile justice information.

1An intensive, nonresidential treatment model offering daily therapy, academics, and life skills training for youth with emotional disorders.

1A specialized form of foster care that provides structured, trauma-informed care for youth with behavioral or emotional needs through trained foster parents.

1A structured, supportive environment within residential programs that uses daily routines and social interactions as part of the treatment process.

1A structured activity model that uses sports, art, and outdoor experiences to promote emotional regulation and teamwork among youth.

1The number of days between referral and the court's final decision. Used as a key metric for system efficiency and fairness.

1Federal funding under the JJDPA supporting prevention, intervention, and system improvement initiatives for youth.

1A JJDPA program providing funds to local governments for evidence-based delinquency prevention efforts.

1A meeting held before a youth’s release from custody to finalize reentry supports including education, housing, and community services.

1A federally funded housing program offering longer-term residential and life-skills support to older homeless youth ages 16–22.

1A signal within data or policy tracking that denotes whether a state publishes public-facing documentation on its juvenile justice procedures.

1The presence of accessible, official state documents related to youth justice operations — such as toolkits, intake manuals, or diversion policy guides.

1A standardized questionnaire used at intake to identify signs of trauma exposure or stress-related symptoms in youth entering the system.

1An evidence-based treatment that helps youth process traumatic experiences through structured cognitive and behavioral techniques.

1An approach to youth screening that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma, aiming to reduce re-traumatization and tailor interventions accordingly.

1A framework that acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma, ensuring that policies, procedures, and interactions promote safety and healing.

1A staff practice model that integrates trauma awareness into interactions with youth, emphasizing safety, consistency, and trust.

1Professional instruction designed to help staff recognize, respond to, and avoid re-traumatization of youth in justice or social service settings.

1The proportion of youth who successfully finish a prescribed treatment program for mental health or substance use issues.

1An evidence-based alternative to residential placement where trained foster parents provide structured, therapeutic support for youth with behavioral disorders.

1The percentage of youth who begin mental health or substance use treatment within a defined period, such as 30 days after identification.

1A statistical technique that examines patterns and changes in data over time to identify emerging issues or evaluate policy impacts.

1A centralized framework that standardizes how local or state agencies submit and manage youth services data across multiple domains.

1Agency guidelines that define when and how physical intervention may be used by staff, emphasizing least-restrictive and proportionate responses.

1A cybersecurity measure that restricts system access based on staff roles, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.

1A research effort that tests whether a risk assessment or screening tool predicts outcomes accurately for a given population.

1A personal account provided by victims describing how a crime affected them, considered by the court during disposition or restitution decisions.

1An initiative that provides information, emotional support, and resources to victims affected by juvenile offenses, often through restitution or mediation.

1A voluntary, structured dialogue between a youth and the person harmed to promote understanding, responsibility, and restitution.

1A structured tool used by probation or parole departments to match the severity of a youth’s violation to an appropriate, proportionate consequence.

1Credential awarded for completion of hands-on trade education. These certificates are often included in a youth’s reentry packet to assist with employment or school reintegration.

1An initiative that provides job training, internships, and career readiness skills to prepare youth for employment or vocational certification.

1Federal legislation providing funding and coordination for youth employment, education, and workforce development programs.

1A coordinated, family-centered approach that assembles individualized supports across agencies—such as mental health, education, and justice—to meet a youth’s complex needs.

1An individualized, family-driven approach that integrates multiple services around the youth’s strengths and goals.

1Youth At-Risk Index — a composite measure that combines school, justice, and social indicators to identify youth at elevated risk for justice involvement or disconnection.

1Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program — a federal grant initiative supporting coordinated community responses to end youth homelessness.

1Youth Level of Service / Case Management Inventory — a widely used structured tool for assessing risk and needs in youth involved with the justice system.

1A panel of community volunteers that reviews first-time or low-level offenses and assigns constructive consequences to support behavior change.

1A group of current or formerly system-involved youth who advise agencies on policy and program design to ensure youth perspectives shape decision-making.

1A nonprofit or local coalition that provides support, mentoring, legal aid, or policy advocacy on behalf of youth in or at risk of entering the justice system.

1A community-based mentor, often with lived experience, who supports youth engagement in education and work, modeling prosocial behavior and stability.

1An agency staff role dedicated to ensuring mental health and substance use services are integrated into juvenile case planning and reentry supports.

1A digital case tracking system used by juvenile probation officers in Texas and other states to log assessments, decisions, and case progress.

1A quasi-military residential education and job training program for youth who have dropped out of school, operated by the National Guard across multiple states.

1A secure treatment and educational facility for adjudicated youth that focuses on rehabilitation, skill-building, and reintegration planning.

1The process by which a youth is referred to a diversion program in place of formal court processing.

1A formal process that allows youth in custody to report complaints about conditions, treatment, or staff behavior without fear of retaliation.

1The supervised release of youth from state custody, often with requirements such as school attendance, therapy, or regular check-ins. Successful parole may reduce long-term confinement and promote community reintegration.

1A young adult with personal system experience who provides mentoring and advocacy to currently involved youth.

1An agency policy outlining the civil and legal rights of youth in custody, including access to education, medical care, and legal representation.

1A national survey conducted by the CDC that monitors health-related behaviors among youth, including substance use, mental health, and violence indicators.

1A trained staff member who ensures safe movement of youth between facilities and courts, maintaining custody-chain documentation and incident reporting.

1An evidence-based in-home family therapy program for youth at risk of placement or returning from custody, focusing on reunification and stability.

1An organizational model that prioritizes authentic youth participation in decisions affecting their care, education, and justice outcomes.

1A preventive checkup that assesses mental, emotional, and physical well-being to identify early intervention needs.

1A statute that allows certain serious juvenile cases to be tried with modified adult procedures or sentencing, balancing accountability with rehabilitation.

1A judicial decision to move a juvenile case to adult court due to the severity of the offense or prior history, usually under strict statutory criteria.