Oklahoma Juvenile Affairs (OJA) Benefits From $1.1M Grant for Study on Community-Based Alternatives to Youth Incarceration
OKLAHOMA CITY, MAY 23, 2024 —Oklahoma's Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) is excited to announce they have been chosen as beneficiary of the Pathways to Resilience: Assessing the Impact of Juvenile Justice Reforms grant, awarded by the National Institute of Justice. The grant, totaling $1,095,972, will fund a 4-year study led by the American Institutes for Research (AIR).
The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of Oklahoma's legislative and administrative reforms in the field of juvenile justice which have resulted in an increased utilization of community-based services. The study aims to identify opportunities for improvement in the service continuum, highlight successful program elements, and focus on data literacy to enhance service delivery.
"This study in Oklahoma will provide valuable insights into the impact of recent changes on our juvenile justice practices and policies," said Laura Broyles, Director of the Office of Standards for Prevention and System Improvement at OJA. "By exploring the positive effects of community-based services, we hope to benefit not only youth and their families, but also communities."
The study will be conducted in phases, concluding by December 31, 2027. The expected outcomes of this study include; advancing policy and practice in the juvenile justice field, increasing access to services for underserved populations, and incorporating young people with lived experiences as key partners in knowledge building and practice change.
OJA, Oklahoma's State Advisory Group (SAG), and youth researchers will work closely with the AIR team, sharing their knowledge and supporting human-centered design throughout the study. Findings will be shared with county juvenile bureaus, community representatives, Youth Service Agencies, tribal partners, and other key stakeholders.
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About OJA:
The Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) is committed to providing prevention, community-based alternatives, and secure care for youth involved in the juvenile justice system in Oklahoma. OJA works collaboratively with partners to ensure the safety, well-being, and successful transition of youth to adulthood.
About AIR:
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a non-profit research organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to improve people's lives and well-being, with a focus on education, health, and workforce development.
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For additional information, please contact:
Constanzia Nizza/ Chief of Staff
at (405) 593-4507
constanzia.nizza@oja.ok.gov
