Promoting Data Transparency and Community Engagement: Juvenile Probation Population Data at Key Decision Points in the Juvenile Justice System

• In Event: Leveraging Data for Informed Evaluation and Decision-Making: Successes and Challenges

Abstract

This presentation will highlight the development and impact of a public data dashboard that illustrates juvenile probation population at various decision points: arrest/citation, referral to, and detention in restrictive facilities (e.g., Juvenile Hall, William F. James Ranch) in Santa Clara County, California. Specifically, the public data dashboard displays information on various aspects of juvenile justice in the local jurisdiction, including the monthly caseload, demographics (e.g., sex, race/ethnicity, age) of juvenile probation population, common offenses, and the flow of population in the system. The significance of this dashboard lies in its ability to promote data transparency and foster informed decision-making. For example, data on race/ethnicity provides insights into disparity and disproportionality at different decision points in the juvenile justice system informing stakeholders to make policies tailored to the needs of different racial/ethnic groups at each stage. It also allows stakeholders to identify trends by examining the change in caseload, common offense types, and residence cities to learn about the impact of historical policies or events and identify needs for specific programming.  This public data dashboard serves as a tool for policy evaluation and advocacy, enabling communities to hold the system accountable and advocate for reforms that prioritize youth needs.  

Authors

• Joyce Hew, County of Santa Clara Probation Department

• DhanaLakshmi Musunuri, County of Santa Clara Probation Department

• Liwei Wei, County of Santa Clara Probation Department

• Steve Do, County of Santa Clara Probation Department

• Kimberly D'zatko, County of Santa Clara Probation Department