Statewide

Kids Forward conducted a system analysis of outcomes critical next steps for overall juvenile justice improvement related to COVID-19 responses and policies.  The work builds upon the 2019 Youth Justice Wisconsin initiative and expanded collaboration between Youth Justice Milwaukee and the GJJC, as well as state and county youth justice and human services agencies.  The report defines support, resources, accountability, and actions that are needed to sustain and expand diversion practices and the decreased use of detention post-pandemic.

This supplemental award to Kids Forward will support their work to continue system analysis over the course of the pandemic. Report expansion will look to better understand the factors related to the dramatic decrease in referrals and review updated data around diversion rates and outcomes, resulting from COVID-19 health protocols.  The factors will ultimately inform policy and practice recommendations at state and local levels, specifically diversion strategies, post-pandemic.  Funds will also support virtual convening and additional opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders across the state.  

Updated Report February 2022

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS), through its Project Excel program, implemented the evidence-based Credible Messengers Mentoring Program.  Project Excel trained four Credible Messenger Mentors who have lived experience in the justice system.  These mentors foster relationships with approximately 25 youth.  There are growing efforts in Milwaukee to implement Credible Messengers as an offramp from the justice system for young people who are in need of stable, consistent presence in their lives.  The project incorporates strength-based programming through the Positive Youth Justice (PYJ) Model, which requires a shift in the way young people in the justice system are viewed.  The project also helps families access existing resources in the community and coordinate opportunities for positive family engagement. 

WJCIA hosted various youth justice focused trainings that included Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Carey Guides and Brief Intervention Tools (BITS) training, four Core Competencies Training, and 10 Steps to Risk Reduction.  The trainings took place in the Wausau and Madison areas with 77 youth justice professionals across the state attending.  Pre and post tests for the different trainings were administered and demonstrated increase knowledge of participants. 

Due to the high demand WJCIA received for the training opportunities provided by the first grant award, leading WJCIA  applied for and received additional funding to expand training offerings of Aggression Replacement Training (ART), 10 Steps to Risk Reduction, and Risk Reduction Coaching for Supervisors.