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	Framework for Transforming the Juvenile Justice System
	JJ Initiative Sign on Statement

Voices Juvenile Justice Initiative Releases Framework for Change

Model Care Continuum for Ohio Department of Youth Services Addresses Cohen Report Issues

In January 2008, independent fact finder Fred Cohen issued an investigative report sustaining the complaints of a broad class action suit against Ohio’s Department of Youth Services (ODYS). In short, the Cohen report found ODYS facilities to be “overcrowded, understaffed and underserved,” with grave misuse of excessive force and isolation.

In response to the Cohen Report’s call for change, today the Voices for Ohio’s Children Juvenile Justice Initiative released a report titled “A Model Ohio Department of Youth Services Care Continuum: A Framework for Transforming the Juvenile Justice System.” The framework, available on the right in the light blue box, identifies sixteen attributes of a model ODYS care continuum, including smaller regional facilities, quality behavioral health treatment, family involvement, appropriate education, and strong re-entry efforts.

“We believe that the Cohen Report will galvanize parents, judges, policy makers, state bureaucrats and advocates to develop a roadmap for transforming Ohio’s juvenile justice system,” said Amy Swanson, executive director of Voices for Ohio’s Children and chair of the Juvenile Justice Initiative. “We offer this framework of a care continuum, rooted in the principles of restorative justice and the science of youth development, as a first step toward creating an effective, appropriate juvenile justice system for Ohio.”

Using the framework as a guide, the Juvenile Justice Initiative is developing an advocacy plan that provides interested organizations and individuals with ways to work for juvenile justice reform in Ohio. The plan particularly aims to build on two current successes: The Lighthouse at Paint Creek, a privately owned rehabilitation center recognized in the Cohen Report as a model for further study; and the Behavioral Health/Juvenile Justice Violent and Aggressive Youth Diversion Program that has prevented more than 400 youth with serious mental illness from being committed to ODYS.

To learn more about the Juvenile Justice Initiative, call Voices' Cleveland office at 216-881-7860.

Voices for Ohio’s Children is a non-partisan voice of Ohio’s nearly 3 million children. With more than 100 collaborative partners, we advance changes in public policy that improve the health, safety, education, family stability and childcare of all Ohio children and their families.