Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative

In 2011, Douglas County Probation partnered with the Annie E Casey Foundation (aecf.org) to launch the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). The initiative works to reduce juvenile detention populations through data-driven decisions and community collaboration.

Program Goal

JDAI aims to reduce juvenile detention populations by applying proven strategies, tracking outcomes, and engaging a broad coalition of juvenile justice stakeholders across Douglas County.

Eight Core Strategies

The initiative is built around the following core strategies:

Strategy	Focus
Collaboration	Building partnerships across juvenile justice stakeholders.
Data Driven Decisions	Using data to guide policy and practice.
Objective Admissions	Applying clear, consistent detention intake criteria.
Alternatives to Detention (ATD)	Providing community-based responses in lieu of detention.
Case Processing	Expediting hearings and reducing delays for detained youth.
Special Detention Cases	Addressing the needs of special populations in detention.
Disproportionate Minority Contact	Identifying and addressing racial and ethnic disparities.
Conditions of Confinement	Improving safety and services for youth who remain detained.

JDAI Chairs

The initiative is co-chaired by:

Judge Vernon Daniels
Thomas Warren, CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska

Get involved or learn more. For questions about JDAI, contact Michelle.hug@operationyouthsuccess.org or info@operationyouthsuccess.org.

Youth Voice in Action

See how young representatives in Douglas County help guide JDAI's work and shape systemic improvements.

Meet the OYS Council

The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative reflects a community-wide commitment to rethinking how young people encounter the justice system. By focusing on data-driven decisions and shared responsibility, the initiative encourages local stakeholders to look beyond traditional detention responses and consider alternatives that better serve youth and families. This collaborative approach helps ensure that policies are grounded in evidence and shaped by the voices of those most affected, fostering a more thoughtful and effective framework for juvenile justice in Douglas County.

At the heart of the initiative are eight core strategies that work together to reduce unnecessary detention while promoting public safety. These strategies guide efforts across systems, emphasizing collaboration, objective decision-making, and consistent follow-through. By aligning probation practices, schools, and community partners around a shared plan, the initiative creates a more coordinated response to youth behavior. The result is a comprehensive approach that balances accountability with the recognition that young people deserve opportunities for growth, redemption, and meaningful support as they move through the justice system.

Reducing detention populations requires more than policy change; it calls for a shift in how the community engages with youth at risk of entering the system. Through prevention-focused conversations and partnerships among juvenile justice stakeholders, the initiative works to identify barriers and address them early. Schools, families, and service providers play essential roles in this effort, building an environment where young people feel supported rather than overlooked. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the initiative aims to keep youth connected to their communities and on pathways toward success.

The lasting impact of this work depends on the continued engagement of Douglas County residents, agencies, and organizations. When stakeholders share responsibility for shaping juvenile justice policy, the system becomes more responsive to the needs of youth and families. The initiative invites participation through steering committees, task forces, and public conversations that empower the community to define shared goals. Together, these efforts build mutual trust and accountability while creating a coordinated, compassionate approach that helps young people thrive and strengthens the community as a whole.