The youth justice system is responsible for ensuring community safety by promoting the positive development of youth in its care while recognizing that children have different developmental needs than adults.
Youth justice systems have a range of options for monitoring and rehabilitating youth other than incarceration, including probation, restorative justice programs, and evidence-based treatment programs. Alternatives to incarceration have been shown to be more effective in preventing recidivism and more cost-effective. The most successful programs involve families in treatment and promote healthy development at the individual, family, school, and peer levels.
Factbook Indicators
The 2025 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook provides a statistical portrait of the status of Rhode Island’s children and youth.
By examining the best available data statewide and in Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT provides an information base that can result in more effective policy and community action on behalf of children and families.
Publications
Our publications provide an in-depth analysis of current issues affecting Rhode Island children and families, incorporating the best available data, research, and best practices. Each publication includes specific recommendations for improvement.
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
- The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) works in jurisdictions across the U.S. to promote policies and practices that reduce inappropriate and unnecessary secure detention, reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and maintain public safety. JDAI focuses on creating opportunities for positive youth development through proven, family-focused interventions.
- For most youth in the justice system, JDAI recommends using high-quality community-based programs that provide supervision, accountability, and therapeutic services. Since 2009, Rhode Island youth justice stakeholders from state agencies, community organizations, as well as lived experts have contributed to a statewide JDAI effort as a unified steering committee. Together, the committee has examined and proposed reforms to decrease racial and ethnic disproportionality of youth at the Training School and has promoted the use of community-based alternatives to detention.
- Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is the coordinator of JDAI.
Advocacy
Monitor Legislation in the Rhode Island General Assembly.
