Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Reform Progress Featured on New Models for Change Web Site
New site provides historical background, current progress, new initiatives
For Immediate Release: May 6, 2009
Contact: Marie Roda 717-699-2206 or marie@rodacreative.com
Philadelphia, PA – The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Models for Change national initiative to reform juvenile justice systems has launched a new online resource to support effective, fair and developmentally appropriate juvenile justice policies. The Models for Change initiative strives to transform the juvenile justice systems in key states by focusing on targeted areas of improvement, creating progressive models of reform that can be replicated across the nation.
With an existing climate that was favorable to reform, strong public-private partnerships, and a proven track record of successful juvenile justice reform efforts, Pennsylvania was chosen as the first state to be a part of the Models for Change initiative. Pennsylvania’s state and local leaders are focusing efforts on three key issues:
- Reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system;
- Improving capacity to assess, treat and divert youth with mental and behavioral health needs, and;
- Enhancing services for youth returning to their communities after placement.
“It was Pennsylvania’s thoughtful approach to juvenile justice that led the MacArthur Foundation to invest here, and the new web site is a good venue for everyone to understand that this progressive work has been in the works for some time,” says Robert Schwartz, Executive Director at Juvenile Law Center, the lead Models for Change agency for Pennsylvania. “The web site will enable the public to learn about Pennsylvania’s progressive legacy in the area of juvenile justice, the reform work that is being done and the additional reforms emerging from the Luzerne County travesty.”
The new website, www.modelsforchange.net, offers up-to-date information about key research, publications and accomplishments in the field and shares recent developments from Models for Change, the nation’s most comprehensive, multi-state juvenile justice systems reform initiative. The website also lists major juvenile justice events on the calendar, provides a directory of organizations involved in the work, and allows for a subscription to receive the initiative’s newsletter and periodic updates.
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Models for Change is a national initiative funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to accelerate reform of juvenile justice systems across the country. Focused on efforts in 16 select states, the initiative aims to create replicable models of reform that effectively hold young people accountable for their actions, provide for their rehabilitation, protect them from harm, increase their life chances, and manage the risk they could pose to themselves or to public safety.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society. For more information about the Foundation please visit www.macfound.org.
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Pennsylvania