Our Work

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The Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice uses established models of reform, informed by over a decade-long body of work, to support state and local jurisdictions seeking to improve system performance and outcomes for youth involved with the juvenile justice system. The RFK National Resource Center focuses primarily on youth who come into contact with both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems (dual status youth), the review and improvement of juvenile probation systems, and the use of a model framework to address the state and national laws and policies governing the exchange and sharing of data, information, and records for youth and families. Site-based consultation and technical assistance is tailored to each community and facilitated by experienced staff to guide jurisdictions through a collaborative exploration of data, practice, resource, and legal matters in order to design, implement, and sustain meaningful reforms. In addition, a library of publications and resources is available to support jurisdictions undertaking reform with or without technical assistance.

Our areas of expertise include:

Dual Status Youth Reform

The Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center has developed multiple frameworks, tools, resources, and models for reform to improve outcomes for dual status youth, and to achieve integration and coordination between child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This work is advanced through provision of technical assistance, resource development, and the formation of a Dual Status Youth Practice Network. Learn more!

Probation System Reform

The conduct of a rigorous review of probation practices is an opportunity to enhance practice by ensuring that policies and procedures, corresponding training, departmental management, and supervision of probationers all reflect best practices.  The Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice provides resources and technical assistance to support probation review efforts and is home to the Probation Review Practice Network. Learn more!

Diversion and Alternatives Reform Team Initiative

The Diversion and Alternatives Reform Team (DART) Initiative supports state and local jurisdictions in their efforts to develop or enhance their system of alternative responses to formal prosecution. The RFK National Resource Center also authored the Diversion and Alternatives Reform Team Guidebook (released October 2023) to support the creation of a comprehensive system of diversionary practices and collaborative system approaches to fully realize community and agency partnerships that protect public safety, ensure accountability, and take advantage of restorative justice principles through a robust system of alternatives to formal prosecution to produce positive youth outcomes. Learn more!

Developmental Approach to Juvenile Justice Reform

A developmental approach to juvenile justice means embracing policies and practices at every decision point that are informed by an understanding of adolescent development and the effects of juvenile justice interventions. The RFK National Resource Center acknowledges and embraces this approach in all of our training, technical assistance, and consultation work. Learn more!

Information and Data Sharing Reform

The staff of the RFK National Resource Center, in close partnership with the Juvenile Law Center, developed a model framework to address the myriad of local, state, and national laws and policies governing the exchange and sharing of data, information, and records for youth and families involved in the juvenile justice and related youth serving systems. Over the past five years, this work has resulted in the development of publications, resources, webinars, a certificate program, and on-site training and technical assistance. Learn more!

Jurisdictions We Serve

The RFK National Resource Center is dedicated to serving communities throughout the country – contact us to learn how we can support your jurisdiction!

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