South Dakota and Nebraska partnered to form a Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiatives (JDAI) regional conference to highlight important issues such as race equity, school-justice partnership, rural detention reforms, and diversion expansion. The conference was held on April 7 and 8, 2021, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Juvenile Justice Stakeholders from both states convened to learn, network, and ultimately develop action steps to take home to their respective communities. One highlight of the conference allowed participants to tour Erik Bringswhite’s program, I.am.Legacy, which serves system-involved youth and adults and is grounded in a Culture Heals approach.

Both states are celebrating their 10-year commitment to juvenile justice reform efforts through JDAI.

This initiative promotes changes to policies, practices, and programs to reduce reliance on secure confinement, improve public safety, reduce racial disparities and bias, save taxpayer dollars, and stimulate overall juvenile justice reforms.  Through this effort, JDAI has demonstrated that community safety has been maintained while implementing the strategies of JDAI.

For more information on JDAI please contact Michele Lueders at Michele.lueders@nebraska.gov