Referrals for Prosecution
Why we track this indicator
Referrals of juvenile crimes for prosecution can indicate youth and families living in communities where they experience increased exposure to crime, violence, as well as social and environmental disorder.
Referrals for Prosecution Data Breakdown
Status: Red
Definition: A referral to prosecution is made when a police officer determines that a youth crime has sufficient evidence to warrant a review by the Prosecutor for criminal charges. This a formal law enforcement process and poses a significant escalation in consequences for the youth. This indicator tracks the number of juveniles referred by police to prosecutors. This information is obtained through a collaborating partner.
Source: Indiana Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Last Updated: January 2025
Reported Mitigating Factors: None Reported
Methodology
Methodology: Total number of referrals per quarter is compared to previous quarter. The difference is calculated as a percentage.
Goal: to observe lower percentages of referrals compared to the previous quarter.
Traffic Light:
Green: at least 1% lower compared to previous quarter
Gray: within +/- 1% of compared to previous quarter
Red: at least 1% higher compared to previous quarter
Supporting Research
Social Determinants of Health
Exposure to the justice system impacts social determinants of health.
Analysis of Social Determinants of Health in Justice-Involved Youth
Offending youth who experienced high poverty also demonstrated higher frequencies risk factors that impact social determinants of health.
Intersection between Mental Health and the Juvenile Justice System
Mental health disorders are prevalent among youths in the juvenile justice system.
Related Indicators
Click to see more data trends related to Referrals for Prosecution
Indiana Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative
JDAI is a network of juvenile justice practitioners and other system stakeholders across the country working to build a better and more equitable youth justice system.
Indicators in Action
The ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program will provide low barrier grants to collaborating partners which will help increase cross-system collaboration and facilitate the community response to needs and/or gaps identified through the Elkhart County Child Dashboard. Applicants may request up to $2,000. Two or more applicants can collaborate for collaborative action based upon one or more data indicators and increase the grant request. By leveraging the ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program partners can have a platform that helps to inform community goals and creates a stronger sustainability platform for their programs.
For a copy of the 1-page proposal template click here or email David Wiegner.