The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center Releases Memo of Findings and Recommendations After Oklahoma Site Visit
OKLAHOMA CITY, MAY 28, 2024 — The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, in partnership with the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA), recently hosted a series of listening sessions with various juvenile justice system stakeholders. The findings and recommendations from these sessions have been compiled into a comprehensive memo which was presented during OJA's monthly board meeting on Tuesday, May 28th.
Listening session participants included OJA client-facing staff and leadership, law enforcement, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, tribal partners, representatives from other state agencies, community-based service providers, and youth and families with lived experience.
The memo highlights several key strengths of Oklahoma's approach to juvenile justice as identified by different stakeholders. The use of crisis intervention centers, implementation of mobile crisis units, and the statewide rollout of Functional Family Therapy were recognized as some of the most valuable initiatives addressing the growing behavioral health needs of Oklahoma’s youth.
However, the memo also outlines several challenges heard during listening sessions such as residential facilities struggling with the rising acuity of youth behavioral health needs, staff hiring and retention issues, and limited capacity to comprehensively address youth needs within Oklahoma's existing behavioral health service array. The memo emphasizes the need for consistent use of evidence-based programs and an intentional focus towards reducing disparities.
To improve public safety and youth outcomes, the memo offers recommendations including a substantial investment in a statewide cross-systems approach to adolescent community-based prevention, behavioral health, and violence prevention services.
CSG's memo serves as a valuable resource for state leaders and stakeholders in their ongoing efforts to positively advance Oklahoma's juvenile justice system. By identifying strengths, challenges, and opportunities, the memo provides a possible roadmap for the state's juvenile justice system moving forward.
Read the full memo here.
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About the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center:
CSG is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. By bringing together key stakeholders from the criminal justice system, CSG works to develop innovative solutions to pressing justice issues. Their research and data-driven approach has helped numerous states improve their justice systems and reduce recidivism rates.
About OJA:
The Office of Juvenile Affairs collaborates with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma youth.
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For additional information, please contact:
Constanzia Nizza / Chief of Staff
at (405) 593-4507 (cell)
constanzia.nizza@oja.ok.gov
