Ramsey County hosts County Juvenile Justice Innovation Network Youth Justice Peer Exchange
Ramsey County continues to reimagine youth justice through bold transformation efforts centered on community, healing and equity. Last week, the county hosted a Youth Justice Peer Exchange where five county teams from across the county came together to learn from one another to achieve program and policy change that improves youth outcomes.
The County for Juvenile Justice Innovation Network (CJJIN) is a national learning and action network launched by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ). It brings together counties, community leaders and youth justice practitioners committed to transforming local systems through community-rooted innovation.
At the event, Ramsey County hosted a collaborative Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI) workshop to provide insight into how youth are assessed for detention. With participation from Community Corrections, Youth Justice Transformation and law enforcement partners, the workshop focused on identifying racial bias, reducing unnecessary detention and ensuring the RAI reflects our values of fairness, equity and proportionality.
Additionally, Ramsey County presented on its Power Within Us program, led in partnership with trusted community organizations, supports system-impacted youth with mentorship, leadership development and establishing deeper connections with community-based organizations. Youth receive compensation for their time and contributions and are deeply involved in shaping the services they receive. Youth are connected with ready to hire employers, job coaches and a plethora of resources to help then acquire and keep their employment.
Ramsey County Attorney’s Office also shared its expanding commitment to youth diversion and restorative justice. Through early intervention pathways, youth can take accountability, repair harm and avoid formal system involvement. Restorative practices highlighted at the event include facilitated dialogues, family engagement and support from community-based providers. This approach promotes true accountability while keeping youth in their homes and communities.
Learn more about Youth Justice Transformation at Ramsey County.