Under this initiative, OJJDP is expanding research to better understand the effective implementation of risk and needs assessment tools in the juvenile justice system and the impact of their use on case processing and youth outcomes. OJJDP works with communities across the country to minimize the formal involvement of youth who pose a low risk to public safety in the juvenile justice system and ensure that when necessary, system responses hold youth accountable in a manner that is fair, responsive to their individualized needs, and developmentally appropriate. Understanding how effective assessment tools are and how they are best implemented and used across the juvenile justice system forms the foundation for identifying and delivering appropriate supervision and services to justice-involved youth.

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