Youth in Juvenile Detention
Why we track this indicator
Children and youth exposed to detention or incarceration are more likely to experience worse physical, emotional, and mental health outcomes. Additionally, early involvement with the criminal justice system can increase the likelihood of future arrests and incarceration events.
Youth in Juvenile Detention Data Breakdown
Status: Gray
Definition: The daily census is the total number of children and youth housed at the Juvenile Detention Center. Regular census reports are averaged on a quarterly basis, and are compared to the previous quarter to determine the trend. This information is obtained through a collaborating partner.
Source: Indiana Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Last Updated: January 2025
Mitigating Factors: None reported
Methodology
Methodology: Average number of children and youth being housed at the Juvenile Detention Center in a month. Detention circumstances for children and youth may differ and may not directly be associated with criminal behavior.
Goal: To observe fewer children and youth detained at the JDC.
Traffic Light:
Green: 1 fewer youth in JDC compared to previous quarter
Gray: within +/- 1 youth of previous quarter
Red: 1 more youth in JDC compared to previous quarter
Supporting Research
How Does Incarcerating Young People Affect Their Adult Health Outcomes?
How Does Incarcerating Young People Affect Their Adult Health Outcomes?
Related Indicators
Click to see more data trends related to Youth in Juvenile Detention
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.