CJI Report: Implementing Juvenile Justice System Improvement in Georgia

The Crime and Justice Institute (CJI) at Community Resources for Justice strives to make criminal and juvenile justice systems more efficient and cost effective and to promote accountability for outcomes. 

In 2012, Georgia embarked on comprehensive juvenile justice improvement to reduce out-of-home placements, protect public safety, reduce costs, and improve outcomes for youth. By May 2013, Governor Nathan Deal signed into law a set of policies designed to improve youth outcomes in the juvenile justice system. The policies were expected to save $85 million over five years by ensuring placement in youth facilities was reserved only for youth adjudicated for the most serious offenses. Those savings would, in turn, be reinvested to bolster evidence-based programs in the community through a Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant Program.

Recently, the CJI released a report on the key outcomes from Georgia’s Incentive Grant Programs. These key outcomes show the fruits of Georgia's efforts in improving their juvenile justice system.