Youth Justice Institute Helps Improve NY’s Criminal and Youth Justice Systems

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the creation of the Youth Justice Institute to improve services for children, teens, and young adults in New York's criminal justice system. 

The Youth Justice Institute will train private and public youth service providers so they put into place the best practices and programs proven to improve outcomes for at-risk youth.

The institute is based at the University of Albany's School of Criminal Justice, and is dedicated to improving services for children, teens, and young adults. The institute will provide training and technical assistance to organizations implementing or developing youth justice programs, while serving as an information resource for the best evidence-based practices in the youth justice field.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said:

Too many youth end up trapped in our criminal justice system and, absent resources and opportunity, are doomed to repeat the same vicious cycle of recidivism and incarceration. By using innovative programs and proven methods to train those who work with at-risk youth, this institute will help these youth have a better chance at success, improving their lives and increasing public safety in the process. Our administration is committed to opening the door to more opportunities for the next generation and building a safer, stronger New York for all.

The institute will also help evaluate youth justice programs, practices and policies, so organizations relying on its training can gauge the effectiveness of their programs.

Studies also have shown that confinement, absent therapeutic and developmentally appropriate programs, can contribute to the development of further delinquent skills and attitudes by youths.