PbS

Randy Rictor, has spent decades shaping the lives of young people within the youth justice system, the Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ) is proud to share his profile. Through his unwavering commitment and impassioned advocacy, Randy exemplifies the spirit of Second Chance Month, embodying hope, resilience and the transformative power of compassion. With an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference, Randy’s journey into this field began with personal experiences that instilled in him a profound sense of empathy and purpose. Growing up, Randy faced his own struggles, navigating a path fraught with potential pitfalls. However, guided by a family friend who steered him away from trouble and toward self-improvement through channels like meditation and boxing, Randy found his way. He emerged from his own challenges with a deep understanding of the importance of patience, compassion and guidance.

In 1999, Randy joined the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), viewing it as a chance to give back and support young people who lacked the guidance, he was fortunate to receive. Over the years, he has taken on various roles within the facility, often shouldering responsibilities that others shied away from. From data collection for CIYJ’s performance-based standards program to assisting other facilities with their own initiatives, Randy’s enthusiasm and initiative have been instrumental in driving positive change. One of the key aspects of Randy’s work has been his dedication to understanding and using the performance-based standards data. For example, he used the data to contribute to initiatives that enable youth in his facilities to maintain vital connections with their families, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

What truly sets Randy apart is his unwavering belief in the potential for change and redemption within every young people. Despite the complexities and slow progress often associated with the youth justice system, Randy remains a steadfast advocate for providing second chances. He understands that behind every label of “criminal” lies a human being with the capacity for growth and transformation.

For Randy, the driving force behind his work is simple yet profound: The desire to be a positive influence and to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. “There’s never a time where we don’t need more people who can be a role model for these guys or be there to let them know that there are people who care and want to see them do good. The guys in here need help too and overall, it’s just enjoyable to be around these guys”.

As Second Chance Month nears the end, Randy’s passion for his work only intensifies – there’s no slowing down. For him, it’s not just about statistics or data points—it’s about empowering young people to rewrite their stories and reclaim their futures. In a world where second chances are often overlooked or denied, Randy stands as a testament to the power of compassion, perseverance and belief in the potential for redemption. With every interaction and every effort, Randy Rictor continues to embody the spirit of second chances, inspiring hope and transformation in the lives of countless young people.

This article was originally published on the CIYJ Blog

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ) proudly presents the remarkable story of Leanne Gillespie. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Leanne’s journey is a testament to resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change. Let’s delve into her transformative experiences and insights throughout years of work within the justice system.

A Journey of Resilience and Determination

Leanne’s upbringing in Melbourne and later Hawaii shaped her into the formidable advocate she is today. Despite facing challenges as a Caucasian, blonde newcomer with a distinctive accent, Leanne’s academic struggles and passion for athletics fueled her drive to succeed. “My mother was a Special Education Teacher and is a strong woman who always instilled in me that I could do anything I set my mind to. When others thought I couldn’t do something, it made me work harder to prove them wrong. I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Swinburne University in Melbourne, and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration at Chaminade University in Honolulu. During my bachelor’s degree, I often worked transcribing psychological assessment reports and answering a suicide crisis line. Both experiences were very eye opening and brought about a sense of compassion and need to help others. Originally, I set out to become a child psychologist, but after watching Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs, I knew my future was somewhere in the field of criminal justice.”

From Adult to Juvenile Justice:

With nearly three decades of experience in adult criminal justice, Leanne’s transition to juvenile justice might seem surprising at first glance. “Honestly, I’m a bit surprised to be here (in December 2022, Leanne was named Executive Director of Hawaii’s Office of Youth Services). I’ve worked in adult criminal justice for almost 30 years, working in jails, prisons, as a probation officer, and a parole officer. I’ve worked mainly in sex offender management, prison re-entry and Americans with Disabilities (ADA) implementation and compliance. Nearing the latter years, the work really started to wear me down. Every time I walked into an adult prison, all I could think about was the unfulfillment of human potential and it overwhelmed me with sadness and failure – failure not only of the system, but of my life’s work to help people.” However, a growing sense of unfulfillment in adult prisons led her to explore the transformative potential of working with young people. Inspired by conversations with youth justice colleagues centered on compassion, care and potential, Leanne embarked on a new path dedicated to preventing young people from entering the criminal justice system. “I started to reach out to my juvenile justice colleagues to discuss their work and the youth and families they worked with. The conversations were inspiring as they were always discussions encompassed in compassion, care and potential. At first, I didn’t believe it, but as I had more and more conversations, I realized that this is where I needed to be to effectuate meaningful changes in both the system and in young people’s lives. Change that would prevent them from entering into the adult system.”

Moments of Inspiration and Reflection:

Throughout her career, Leanne has been inspired by the young people and families navigating the youth justice system. Witnessing their positive choices and changes reaffirms her belief in the transformative power of compassion and support. Each day brings new opportunities to be inspired and to inspire others, driving Leanne’s commitment to her work.

Advice to Aspiring Women:

For young women starting their careers, Leanne offers timeless wisdom: Listen, work hard and seek out strong positive role models. Drawing inspiration from her own mother, a beacon of strength, independence and resilience, Leanne emphasizes the importance of learning from those who embody the values and qualities we aspire to emulate. Leanne continues to be inspired most by her own mother stating, “My mom is an amazingly strong, hardworking and independent woman who has made many sacrifices so that I can have the life that I have now. She still travels the world and lives life to the fullest. I can only hope to be able to do the same.”

As we honor Women’s History Month, Leanne highlights the importance of sharing stories and experiences to inspire future generations of women in the youth justice field. By recognizing and celebrating the adversities, accomplishments and compassion of women like herself, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Through her transformative experiences and insights, she inspires us to listen, work hard, and uplift one another as we strive to create a brighter future for justice-involved youth.

This article was originally published on the CIYJ Blog

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Felice Upton’s journey is marked by resilience, empathy and a commitment to creating positive change. With roots deeply embedded in a family history of activism, she has carried forward the legacy of her grandparents, who survived the Holocaust and dedicated their lives to leaving the world in a better place than they found it. She left home after experiencing a tumultuous adolescence that included abuse and violence and embarked on a mission to understand the profound impact of violence and abuse on individuals’ lives.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ) is honored to shine a spotlight on Felice Upton, a dedicated advocate and current Assistant Secretary of Juvenile Rehabilitation for Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Career Evolution

Felice began working in corrections in 2003, worked her way up from intern to community corrections officer into adult prisons and culminated her time in adult corrections spending six years as the Associate Superintendent of Programs at Washington Corrections Center for Women. She believed that most of the people in the adult facilities could have been helped at early intervention points and realized that she wanted to work further upstream to make a lasting impact on young lives. Joining the juvenile justice system in 2020 as a facility superintendent, she immediately felt a connection with the young people and knew she’d foundher heart’s work. Recognizing the importance of intervening at multiple points in a young person’s life, Felice shared, “It is harder than I imagined, and I truly believe that we plant seeds that lead to lives being changed when we do our work well. We are here to kick open doors to opportunity for young people.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Reflecting on her career, Felice emphasizes the joy she finds witnessing young people achieve goals they once believed were unattainable. Every moment of inspiration comes from seeing these individuals, who have often been marginalized by other systems, realize their potential and overcome adversity. For Felice, it is these moments that make the challenging aspects of her work truly worthwhile.

Advice to Young Women

To young women starting their careers, Felice encourages authenticity. “Be who you are. You will frequently be asked or influenced to show up in ways that make others feel more comfortable. Sacrificing who you are will never be worth it. Bring your whole self to the table. You will be expected to do more than your peers, you will have to prove more. Do not diminish your whole person for the comfort of others. If you are not welcome at the table start a new table.” Felice also advocates for women supporting each other, reminding them that prioritizing family, self-care and balance is essential for sustained success.

Inspired by the Overcomers

“The people who have overcome the most…who are complex and deep thinkers, who don’t mind leaning into hard conversations. I am inspired by every person who questions the how and the who, who drives for systemic change and leans in. I am inspired by those whose actions match their speech.” Inspired by the overcomers and those who question the status quo, Felice is driven by a passion for systemic change and addressing the pressing issues in the youth justice field[KG1] .

Pressing Issues in Youth Justice

For Felice, the most pressing issue facing women in the youth justice field is the complexity of being the social service safety net for numerous other systems. She calls for a shift towards multi-systemic approaches to wraparound care for young people, recognizing the natural convening power of women in this field. Felice Upton’s story is one of determination, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice for young individuals in the juvenile justice system. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, her dedication serves as an inspiration to all women in the field, reminding us that authentic, compassionate leadership can indeed transform lives and systems. Felice’s work is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and the unwavering commitment to creating a better world for the next generation.

This article was originally published on the CIYJ Blog

The Center for Improving Youth Justice’s (CIYJ) Communication Director, Kapiolani Kassal, had the privilege of interviewing Kimbla Newsom, a dedicated researcher whose PhD thesis delves into the profound subject of Experiences of Youth in Confinement: Pathways of Racial Ethnic Disparities in Juvenile Corrections. In this enlightening conversation, Newsom unpacks the nuanced facets of her research, shedding light on the intricate pathways that contribute to racial and ethnic disparities within the youth justice systems. Her insightful analysis not only addresses the challenges faced by youth in confinement but also underscores the imperative need for understanding and rectifying systemic disparities in the pursuit of equitable and just youth justice practices. Read on as we engage with Newsom's expertise to gain deeper insights into the complex dynamics shaping the experiences of justice-involved young people.

Kimbla, talk to me about the idea for your thesis and how you went about utilizing our research.

Throughout the PhD program that I’ve been involved with my focus has primarily been on the juvenile justice system, I was the only one in the department that was focusing exclusively on the youth justice system. I worked within the youth justice system for over 20 years now, and my passion has been to go back into the field and provide services and consulting work for those particular areas. Throughout my time working in the system as a practitioner, looking at the system itself, there’s a lot of disparities in the system and has it relates specifically to kids of color being overrepresented in the system. During my time in the field, research I’ve done and looking at the data to see what are those reasons and what can I do to help and assist, I felt it was an ideal situation for me to focus my dissertation on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the System.

Having looked at the data and findings what was something that really impacted or jumped out to you?

I went in really looking at how the experiences really differed between race and ethnicity within the justice system and hypothesizing that youth of color experience more confinement, locked up longer and experience fewer connections upon reentry to community services as they transition, sadly, I did find support through the data for all three of those hypothesizes. Especially when it comes to Black kids in all three areas, they were overrepresented or experienced more detrimental outcomes than some of the other youth. I suspected those would be the findings but nonetheless when you look at the data and crunch the numbers, you’re able to actually prove those hypotheses and seeing them on paper is impactful. I will say, I was pleased to see the gap or rather the disparity was not as significant, I think it really attests to the sites that participate in PbS and they’re intentional about creating better outcomes for kids, improving conditions of confinement for kids and really trying to use best practices. It was really pleasing to see that while disparities exist in the system, there’s progress being made, especially with those sites that participate in PbS.

Talk to me about the Performance-based Standards Researcher Database and how it helped you complete your study.

First, I have to say the wealth of data that you all have is something that’s unique. As a researcher, a lot of times you’re limited in data sets and information that you’ll receive from organizations. There was so much data that was available and then over periods of time. I used a 10-year period of time and that’s something that really helps with the richness of the data and being able to get to larger numbers. The validity and reliability of the numbers was really great. Additionally, I think because the type of data that [CIYJ] has from the administrative forms related to the facilities, climate surveys for staff and youth as well as youth records being able to triangulate all that information and make sure you’re not just focusing on one area but instead looking at how does it all connect to different areas. It was awesome to be able to use thousands of records over that period of time and in many situations you’re very limited in the amount of data or access but not with the Researcher's Database.

Why do you think it’s so important to look at the data specifically from a race/ethnicity perspective?

It’s important because people have an opinion and see things and think there’s an issue with a particular area. Oftentimes what happens is that people are tapping into a symptom versus root issues and data allows you to get to root issues. I’ve worked in facilities and juvenile justice for 20 years; I can see with my eyes more kids of color here, more kids locked in their rooms and less in educational instruction or drug treatment that are of color. My observations are one thing but to be able to say, ‘Hey, we have the data to support that as well.’ The data can help and it’s not what I heard but what the data says and that research can get to advocacy work and better outcomes. The data also shows the disparities exist and if we know it exists then we can move towards what we can do to try to reduce and eliminate the issue.

Now that we have the data what can we do to utilize it and put it into work and into practice?

It’s really about creating a sense of community. We have to begin with the end in mind. Majority of people are going to get released, it’s only a small percentage of people that are on death row, knowing that the person can get released and live next door to me, I would rather them receive rehabilitative services when they’re locked up versus being caged like an animal and then when they get out, they’re going to probably still act that way. The Tough On Crime slogan sounds good but the research doesn’t support keeping people locked up longer or expanding prison sizes. If you’re not providing transitional services to help them stay in communities they’ll continue to cycle in and out. When it comes to kids in particular, they don’t have a choice what they’re able to receive, what they have access to or what they’re born to. They don’t make those specific decisions and we don’t want to do more harm to kids, we want to get to better outcomes, you have to look at the system and see the research shows that [utilizing certain methods] results in worst outcomes for people when you see these disparities.

It’s not always that they committed more crimes, a lot of times it’s equally, they’re being treated differently and that’s why you’re seeing the negative outcome. We all need to have compassion, allow the data to paint a picture, tell a story and if you make it plain for people and connect the dots that expanding prison beds or locking people up longer does not result in safer communities the data becomes less overwhelming and makes more sense. When you have minority or marginalized communities, kids are going to return back to those communities when they’re released from facilities. The reality is that taxpayers pay a lot of money for kids and adults to be locked up. We should want our money to go towards efforts that are going to result in better outcomes for young people versus wasting money and cycling people in and out of the system.

This article was published on the CIYJ blog.

National Mentoring Month is a celebration of the transformative power of mentorship. As we reflect on the impact mentors have on individuals, communities and society, let’s embrace the opportunity to contribute to this movement. By recognizing the importance of mentorship, we can collectively create a more supportive and empowered world, where individuals, including young people reentering their communities, thrive with the guidance and encouragement of mentors. Kapiolani, CIYJ’s Communications Director, had the opportunity to sit down with Stephen Kaplan, one of CIYJ’s mentors. Read their interview below:

*This interview has been trimmed for clarity and conciseness. None of Stephen’s words were changed.

Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me, Stephen. Could you talk to me about how you found yourself as a mentor for the Center for Improving Youth Justice? Stephen: I was incarcerated when I was 16. I served just under 9 years inside and education became a really important part of my life. I was home-schooled my whole life, but my mom had many issues, so I did not have any schooling from like 10 until I was incarcerated. I had some opportunities while I was inside, I got my associate degree and went on to my bachelor’s degree and I had so much time left that I wanted to see if I could go for my masters. I applied and got accepted but money was a really tough thing, CIYJ offered some scholarships. I ended up winning and it allowed me to start my masters. It was so meaningful to me, and I called Kim up and expressed my gratitude and let her know if there is anything I could ever do to help. We stayed in contact and after I got out, I finished my master’s degree and went on working and helped out with scholarship winnings. After Russell passed, he had this vision for this bigger scholarship, Kim and I started talking, and I was all over that because mentoring itself has been something I’ve been doing for 10+ years even while I was inside, I started groups. A lot changed while I was inside. It was a lot about surviving being inside and how to grow yourself past some of this trauma in general. After getting out, I realized how hard it was and the things I was prepared for were not the things that were challenging. Getting a job or a house was not the scary thing, it was, how do I become a normal person? I’m not. I am an incarcerated person and I started seeing everybody that I’ve been in contact with and learning about the people that failed and the ones that were successful. It became a passion of mine to understand. How do we help young people move through this partially maladapted stuff that they learned while they are inside? They become pros and experts at society inside, but it is very different outside.

What do you think makes mentoring so important for justice involved young people? In a mentor/mentee relationship what do you feel is most important about that bond? Stephen: A lot of the young people that go through systems have some form of troubled family dynamic, whether it is family, no family, and we forget that young people are quite malleable and there is only a few people that have a corrupt mind or don’t care. Most people in the world want to do better, but it can be complicated. I don’t often really use the word mentor, I’m just these guys’ friend. I can say, “Hey I have these shared experiences” and we learn mostly through people’s mistakes. When you have somebody that they connect with and can say, “Hey I messed this up really bad and this is what I learned” that gives them the freedom to say, “I feel the same way!” Being able to say I’m feeling scared or angry or I almost cried, and this is how I moved through it, or this is how I failed through it is an important aspect of how people in general learn. You learn that from your parents in many areas and some of these young people have so little of that and they need people to walk through life with them. It’s not as simple as telling them, “Don’t do drugs.” We must connect some other way and I think that’s the value of mentorship.

Can you pinpoint for me moments in your life that have proved most beneficial in your mentoring role? Stephen: I have actually almost fallen in love with the amount of time that I had to serve and understand that if I had gotten a lighter sentence or done a couple months, I wouldn’t be able to connect with many of the people I mentor. I had so much time to settle through so many of the emotions, I became an expert in this is how crappy this feels. I can now connect with young people especially helping them work through that ‘dark secret’ of being incarcerated We all have a little Quasimodo feeling about ourselves especially when people ask, “What did you do last summer?” They went to parties and hung out and I was in line at the dining hall. Helping these young people and being able to connect about that, how do we get them to feel normal? That feeling exists for everybody, whether you have been in jail or not, everybody feels like they’ve got this secret bell tower person, that they have something to hide. How do we bring that side out because we all feel that. Really being able to connect with people has been one of the most beneficial pieces and education on top of that. I had all these opportunities and CIYJ gave me so much to continue forward.

When we talk about building trust with young people, can you talk to me about your approach to building these relationships and developing that trust? Is there something that works? Stephen: It changes from person to person a bit but there are a couple of principles: I think not being pushy is a big thing that I do. I show up. I don’t force anything. I don’t ask deep questions to start. Like a job interview, you begin with just getting the basics about people. The most impactful thing to build trust is that I am the first one to be vulnerable. I share very rough or tough experiences of my life. Sometimes it relates to something that they maybe have hinted about or mentioned. I think when I show my “less-than” parts and stand proud in those and I’m not afraid to hand those over to young people then they start sharing things. I understand it’s a long game, a lot doesn’t happen in a week or a month. The last important thing is to remove the power dynamic. None of the young people call me sir or mentor, we’re friends and they have every right to call me on my stuff. They often mentor me back. That’s life, they have experiences I don’t have. I empower them so they don’t feel like I’m above them.

How do you help your mentees recognize and celebrate their successes or their wins? Stephen: I’m always verbally encouraging them. I’ve visited a few of my mentees and taken them to dinner and been able to show them, “Hey this is time to celebrate you and your success.” I think they can get lost and I like to remind them, “Look what you survived. You’ve done a lot to make it through and get to this point.” A lot of it is just sharing my own admiration for them and making sure they know it’s from the bottom of my heart. They keep me on the straight and narrow. I have had many times where I wanted to be weak and say, “Screw it.” Then I talk to them, I listen to them and hear how they got through another tough term or he’s inside and there was a big fight he stayed out of- man, that inspires me and I let them know that anytime I have that feeling.

What has been the most difficult challenge that you’ve faced while being a mentor? Stephen: Maybe the toughest thing is I don’t feel like I have that great of a support network as I’m dealing with very different personalities and it can be tough to navigate. I don’t have a network of other mentors that I can call up and be like, “Hey, I’m dealing with this situation have you ever dealt with this before?” It’s almost like I’m writing the book myself in a specific demographic. That’s probably the biggest challenge: how to be there for the guys when there’s things that I don’t know.

If you could give one piece of advice to young people within the youth justice space, what would it be? Stephen: That your experience itself is traumatizing and that your feelings are incredibly valid. It’s going to take you years to sort through and the sooner you can start approaching yourself and life from that aspect, the better. A lot of rehabilitation focuses on things that you’ve done wrong or that you’ve experienced and things that you need to improve on yourself, but there’s not really any resources that say, “Hey, you’ve been taken away from society and put into a system in a program and be kind of in a way written off and turned into a number or a cell.” That itself is trauma. You have to figure that out and adapt in certain ways to survive.

On the reverse side of that, what would be one piece of advice that you’d give to adults working in the youth justice space? Stephen: I think adults need to understand that maybe at the root of negative behaviors is brain chemistry. This will get you a lot farther instead of focusing on, “Oh maybe your parents weren’t great.” In a weird way, these kids see it as if they’ve been abducted out of their life, they’re put in this world, they have to sort through this rule. They don’t have a developed ability to understand what happened fully. Adults need to realize that it’s a big problem and that it needs to be approached holistically. If you’re approaching it from one perspective, you’re going to miss the mark. They’re still people, no matter what they tell you or what they project and connecting with them, being vulnerable with them will help them feel safe in this not safe environment.

What is one thing you wish to share with someone who has no background in the youth justice system? What would you like them to know? Stephen: I think most people I interact with have no understanding of the system or the young people who are incarcerated. They will think of either Nicholas Cage and Con Air or a super scary movie with a chainsaw murder. Most people don’t have an appropriate understanding of how young people get into situations that get them into trouble. Most of the time it’s super logical: An environment that they’ve grown up around and they don’t have the cognitive ability to quite understand how to get out of it or to know what’s right or wrong. The juvenile justice system is about rehabilitation, which is so different than the adult system. I wish people knew that because I think our laws would change. People have this predisposition of ‘if you are in trouble with the justice system – you must have done something terribly wrong, you must be punished.’ That isn’t the goal of the juvenile justice system. It’s all about rehabilitation and people need to understand that.

This article was originally published on the PbS blog.

National Mentoring Month, celebrated every January, is a dedicated time to recognize the invaluable impact of mentoring in shaping the lives of individuals- especially young people who are returning to their communities after being in the justice system. This month-long observance not only acknowledges the efforts of mentors but also highlights the importance of mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of National Mentoring Month, explore its history and discuss the profound benefits of mentorship including a Q&A with one of our own mentors, Stephen Kaplan.

The Origin of National Mentoring Month: National Mentoring Month was established in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the power of mentoring and encourage individuals to become mentors. Over the years, it has gained widespread support from various organizations, communities and government agencies, making January a time to celebrate the positive influence of mentorship.

The Impact of Mentorship for Young People returning to their Communities:

• Personal Growth: Mentoring plays a crucial role in personal development. A mentor provides guidance, support, and encouragement, helping mentees navigate challenges and make informed decisions. This one-on-one relationship fosters confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.
• Building Strong Community: National Mentoring Month emphasizes the role of mentoring in building strong, interconnected communities. As individuals grow through mentorship, they contribute positively to their communities, creating a ripple effect of support, understanding and collaboration.
• Educational Success: For students, mentorship is a powerful tool for educational success. Mentors can provide academic guidance, instill a love for learning, and inspire a passion for various fields. The impact of mentoring on academic achievement is profound, creating a pathway for future success.

In 2020, we added mentors to our Center for Improving Youth Justice scholarship program. These mentors help our scholarship recipients navigate the transition to college, balance homework with jobs and family, develop goals, explore hobbies and figure out who they want to be. Our two mentors have lived the transition from facility life to college and advanced degrees. They talk/text with their mentees several times a month and have visited at least once in person. They have proven to be invaluable to their mentees. Thank you, Stephen Kaplan and Jaclyn Cirinna!

Click here to read our Q&A with CIYJ’s mentor, Stephen Kaplan.

This article was originally published on the PbS blog.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the 2023 PbS Employment Matching Award!

The PbS Education and Employment Foundation's Employment Matching Award will match up to $1,000 of what selected applicants earn from July 1 - Sept. 1, 2023. Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2023.

For more information and to download a copy of the application, visit: https://pbstandards.org/awards/employment-matching/

Please contact the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

Huge thank you to all of the facilities, friends, and families who participated in the PbS 10K Steps For Real Second Chances Challenge. Each team has had a unique journey this past month. Our Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center team from Tecumseh, OK had to overcome the challenge of dealing with power outages due to the tornados that occurred in the past weeks, some teams had great success and were comprised of over 100 people like the Long Creek Youth Development Center Portland, ME, and some teams tried to persevere despite injuries like our team at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility in San Diego County who unfortunately couldn’t finish the challenge this time around. Despite the unique experiences you or your team may have had on the way I hope you had fun and are left feeling accomplished.

I have had the privilege of tracking the progress and stepping alongside all 11 teams who signed up for the challenge and as the fundraiser comes to a close I would like to share for my final blog post a little bit more about myself and what led me to create this fundraiser. I am in my last semester at Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA, and I am a political science major. I was matched with PbS as a fundraising fellow by the instructors at College for Social Innovation (CSFI) because of my background and interest in policy, data analysis, and legal studies. And I don’t think there could have been a better match for me than PbS.

I was instantaneously drawn to the mission and equally fascinated to learn how data can be used in such an impactful way to tell the stories of young people and help juvenile justice facilities produce better outcomes and come up with solutions. I also was interested in the PbS Education and Employment Foundation, as data shows education and employment can be the two strongest determinants in the success of a young person in the reentry process so as a fundraising fellow, I was quickly inspired to find a way to support the impact PbS’s foundation has been having on the lives of justice-involved young people.

As a CFSI fellow at PbS this semester I had the privilege and full creative authority to create a fundraiser from the ground up that would leave a lasting impact on PbS and I hope that the 10K Fundraiser for Real Second Chances will be able to do that in the years to come. I created this fundraiser first with the idea in mind that I wanted to involve young people at facilities, staff, and donors in a way that would encourage them to actively participate in National Second Chance Month and help raise money for the Education and Employment Foundation.

And there’s no better way to “actively” participate than to actually take steps to help give justice-involved young people second chances. As I progressed in the fundraising process I was able to learn more about PbS and the population that they serve and this only increased my drive and interest in helping to advocate for justice-involved young people. Every dollar raised and step taken is impactful and has reminded me why it’s so important to raise awareness and promote a more equitable world- even if it's one step at a time.

Original post available on the PbS Blog: https://pbstandards.org/blog/posts/2023/may/why-we-walk-the-csfi-fellow-behind-the-10k-steps-for-real-second-chances-challenge/

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Thank you again to all of the staff, young people, friends and family across the country who are taking part in the 10K Steps for Real Second Chances Challenge during Second Chance Month. An extra huge shoutout to Johnson County Adolescent Center in Olathe Kansas, for being our first team to get sponsored! Every step taken and dollar moves us closer to equity and raises awareness about the need and importance of education and employment equity for young people who become entangled in the juvenile justice system.

Young people who are or were justice-involved are automatically placed at a disadvantage in our society. More often than not their lives are interrupted during their most formative and foundational years and because of this, they aren’t able to experience or achieve the monumental and imperative accomplishments that all young people need to lead a successful life. And for too many, as recidivism rates for justice-involved young people show, they do not get an opportunity for a real second chance.

We started walking on April 1st and have been joined by 11 teams of juvenile justice staff, young people, and volunteers. As we near the end of the 10K Steps Challenge we are looking for sponsors for our teams and encourage all participants to continue to share with people the reason why we are stepping up and the link to our donation page with as many people as possible to raise money for the foundation and change the lives of young people one step at a time. Any amount raised or given is sincerely appreciated and impactful.

Original post available on the PbS Blog: https://pbstandards.org/blog/posts/2023/april/stepping-up-for-real-second-chances/

There are a few days left before the start of Second Chance Month on April 1, plenty of time to join PbS' 10K Steps for Real Second Chances Challenge. Get some exercise, have fun, and compete for the chance to win team and individual prizes all the while helping to raise awareness and support for the PbS scholarships, reentry assistance, and employment matching awards given by the PbS Education and Employment Foundation.

The only thing you need to do is select a team captain or volunteer to be a captain and email the PbS Help Desk to let us know your team is participating. All the materials and information needed to participate will be sent to you by email and US mail. Invite your staff, young people, families, and neighbors to join your team. Whether they walk one day or every day is up to them -every step counts. Can’t count steps? Count minutes. We will translate the minutes into steps (about 120 steps per minute).

Teams and individuals with the most steps at the end of April are eligible for prizes including a $200 gift card for a pizza or perhaps a more healthy smoothie party, trophies, T-shirts, nutribullet 800w juicer, and bragging rights! Have fun, be creative, and get moving. It's good for you!

PbS invites all young people in PbS participating facilities and programs to show off their talents for our annual Kids Got Talent Contest. Don’t miss out on a chance to showcase the talents of the young people in your care – contest entries will be accepted until April 14, 2023.

Here Are Some Helpful Tips:

Discover Talent We will accept a variety of talents like original music and rap, dancing, skits, song covers, art, spoken word, juggling, and acrobatics. In the past, entries of athletic feats have shown us that the sky is truly the limit, so get creative.

Generate Excitement Spread the word by telling your young people about the opportunity to participate in a national talent contest and hang up the PbS Kids Got Talent flyer around your program or facility to generate excitement.

Review Contest Guidelines Read the contest guidelines on the upload page. All entries must be recorded while the applicant is residing in the PbS participating facility or program and submitted with the PbS release form by April 14.

Submit Entries Early Record and submit entries early to give applicants the chance to discover even more of their talents before the entry period ends. Individuals and groups can submit as many entries as they wish, and multiple entries are highly encouraged. Share the many talents of your young people.

Hold a Talent Show Hold a talent show at your facility to encourage creativity and a little friendly competition. Submit the performances to the PbS Kids Got Talent Contest to give each applicant a chance to perform live at the national PbS awards ceremony.

Preview Past Kids Got Talent Entries Gather together to watch finalist montages from previous years for inspiration.

Have Fun! Always remember to have fun discovering and showcasing your talented young people!

The prestigious PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented annually to facilities and programs that best demonstrate success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model. This year’s application asks three open-ended questions to describe why, how and what applicants did using the facility improvement plan (FIP) process. We will accept audio entries and short videos (3-5 minutes) from applicants in lieu of the full written application on the website.

To help make your application as successful as possible, make sure you review each of the following steps as you prepare. As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment to treating all young people as one of your own.

Tip 1: Review this year’s requirements. Determine eligibility and get your PbS team together for a brainstorming session. Applications are accepted now through March 31, 2023, and we encourage you to send them in early.

Tip 2: Read the questions carefully. Answers should address each component of all questions to ensure a strong response. Be mindful that each open-ended question has a word count limit. A good application shows where you started, why you decided to start there, and what you did to make change happen. It’s important to remember the purpose of the application – to share your program’s accomplishments!

Tip 3: Tell your story. True improvement and change are a team effort. Reflect on the ways the leadership and the team have worked together to make change happen and give some clear examples of the challenges and successes your team experienced along the way. Present specific examples of the interventions you mention in your application. Your story can motivate and guide others looking to meet a similar goal. Provide supporting data to show progress related to how your focus subject has changed over time using your improvement plan. Try an audio or video recording to tell your story.

Tip 4: Get inspired! Watch some of the winner’s award videos from previous years and seek out finalist and winner’s blog posts to get motivated about your program’s improvements and your own application! Reapplying with new accomplishments is highly encouraged!

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is now collecting applications for the 2023 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award. We hope you take the opportunity to share and celebrate the improvements and achievements of your facility by submitting an application.

Each year, the PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrate success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model.

We will accept audio or video entries in lieu of the full, written application. Your audio or video application should answer the same three open-ended questions on the written application. All written, audio and video entries must connect the facility improvement plan to data and efforts for positive change: the ‘why’, the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ of your improvement plan.

Please sign in to the PbS website to view this year’s application for additional details on the written, audio and video entry options. The application can be located online in My PbS > Surveys.

Applications will be accepted from now through Friday, March 31, 2023.

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk if you have any questions.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce that the annual Kids Got Talent Contest is now open! This contest is such a joy for our team and every year, we are impressed with not only the talented young people but the staff that support their creative abilities. We always enjoy hearing about programs holding their own talent contests as incentives for young people or educational programming dedicated to developing a variety of skills such as music production or playwriting.

Since 2015, we have seen an incredible array of talents from comedy skits to feats of athleticism to musical performances. We encourage all young people in PbS participating programs to show off their talents, either as a group or individual act for a chance to be invited to perform at the annual Awards Night!

Submit your entries on the PbS website under Awards > Kids Got Talent

Entries will be accepted from February 1 through April 14. Finalists and winners will be notified in the spring.

Get started today by viewing last year’s montage for inspiration: 2022 PbS Kids Got Talent Finalist Montage

Please contact the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

Thank you and good luck!

We are pleased to announce that for the seventh year Performance-based Standards (PbS) will be awarding young people leaving PbS-participating facilities gift cards to help ease their transition. This year we received 18 outstanding applications expressing the need for new clothes and shoes, school supplies and other necessities. We also read about a few young parents needing to provide basics for their children.

All of the applications were worthy of the award; through a random draw, 10 will receive a $500 gift card to use at a department store near them. We would like to congratulate the following:

• One young person from Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility, Ohio Department of Youth Services, OH;
• One young person from Ferris School, Delaware Youth Rehabilitative Services Division, DE;
• One young person from Grand Mesa Youth Services Center, Colorado Division of Youth Services, CO;
• Three young people from Green Hill School, Washington Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation Administration, WA;
• One young person from IYC – Harrisburg, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, IL;
• One young person from Juvenile Corrections Center – Lewiston, Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections, ID;
• One young person from Kenneth Rubenstein Juvenile Center, West Virginia Bureau of Juvenile Services, WV; and
• One young person from Red Wing Juvenile Facility, Minnesota Department of Corrections, Juvenile Services, MN.

The young people we serve can thrive even in times of hardship. We thank them for sharing their story with us and the staff that support them. A special thanks to the PbS Education and Employment Foundation and its generous donors.

The pandemic and racial violence have created more challenges for the staff and young people in the juvenile justice system than I’ve seen in my 27 years in this field. Not to mention the enormous burden of stress that came along with these impossible times.

Yet, we are seeing signs of positive change for young people. The positive youth development approach is taking hold in juvenile justice facilities—and more—young people are feeling the impact and reaping the benefits.

For instance, on the Performance-based Standards (PbS) Youth Reentry Survey, 5% more young people said staff made more positive comments than negative comments in October 2021 than in April 2020. This percentage jumped from 73% to 78% since the pandemic began.

Additionally, 5% more young people strongly agreed that their case manager (probation officer, aftercare worker) asked about the supportive adult(s) in their lives and were prepared to help them connect with this support if necessary, and 3% more young people strongly agreed that their case manager helped them work through barriers that may have stopped them from achieving their goals.

Another promising change reflected in the survey responses was 2% more young people said they have participated in formal discussions about discrimination.

April is Second Chance Act month, a nationwide effort to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for young people reentering our communities. Juvenile justice systems’ commitment to implementing positive youth development, an approach grounded in the belief that all young people can thrive when emphasis is placed on their strengths and competencies, is paramount in the goal behind Second Chance Act month and PbS’ mission.

We celebrate these steps toward successful reentry outcomes with the young people doing the hard work, the staff striving for positive changes, and state, local, and tribal governments committed to second chances and opportunity for all.

This article was originally published on the PbS blog.

As part of Second Chance Act Month, a nationwide effort to recognize the importance of reentry, we are now accepting applications for the 2022 PbS Reentry Award.

If you are working with a youth who would benefit from up to $500 to pay for some of the small but important pieces missing from his or her aftercare or case management plan, please consider filling out an application.

Applications will be accepted from now through Saturday April 30, 2022. Please see the application for additional eligibility criteria.

Please contact the PbS Help Desk or your PbS Coach with any questions.

The prestigious PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented annually to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrates success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model.

This year’s application asks three open-ended questions to describe why, how and what applicants did using the facility improvement plan (FIP) process. For the second year in a row, we will accept short videos (3-5 minutes) from applicants in lieu of the full written application on the website.

To help make your application as successful as possible, make sure you review each of the following steps as you prepare your application. As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment to treating all youths as one of your own.

Tip 1: Review this year’s requirements.

Determine eligibility and get your PbS team together for a brainstorming session. (Try a video recording to tell your story).

Applications are accepted now through March 31, 2022, and we encourage you to send them in early.

Tip 2: Read the questions carefully.

Answers should address each component of all questions to ensure a strong response. Be mindful that each open-ended question has a word count limit.

A good application shows where you started, why you decided to start there and what you did to make change happen. It’s important to remember the purpose of the application – to share your program’s accomplishments!

Tip 3: Tell your story.

True improvement and change at a facility or program is a team effort. Reflect on the ways the leadership and the team have worked together to make change happen and give some clear examples of the challenges and successes your team experienced along the way.

Present specific examples of the interventions you mention in your application. Your story can motivate and guide others looking to meet a similar goal.

Provide supporting data to show progress related to how your focus subject has changed over time using your improvement plan.

Tip 4: Get inspired!

Watch some of the winner’s videos from previous years and seek out finalist and winner’s blog posts to get motivated about your program’s improvements and your own application!

Reapplying with new accomplishments is highly encouraged!

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk if you have any questions.

PbS invites all young people in PbS participating facilities and programs to show off their talents for our eighth annual Kids Got Talent Contest. Each year, the selection committee is increasingly impressed by the incredible lineup of youth performers from across the nation.

Don’t miss out on a chance to showcase the talents of the young people in your care – contest entries will be accepted between now and Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Helpful Tips:

Discover Talent

We will accept a variety of talents like original music and rap, dancing, skits, song covers, art, spoken word, juggling and acrobatics. In the past, entries of athletic feats have shown us that the sky is truly the limit, so get creative.

Generate Excitement

Spread the word by telling your young people about the opportunity to participate in a national talent contest and hang up the PbS Kids Got Talent flyer around your program or facility to generate excitement.

Review Contest Guidelines

Read the contest guidelines on the upload page. All entries must be recorded while the youth is residing in the PbS participating facility or program, and submitted with the PbS release form by March 31.

Submit Entries Early

Record and submit entries early to give youths the chance to discover even more of their talents before the entry period comes to a close. Each individual or group can submit as many entries as they wish and multiple entries are highly encouraged. Share the many talents of your young people.

Hold a Talent Show

Hold a talent show at your facility to encourage creativity and a little friendly competition. Submit the performances to the PbS Kids Got Talent Contest to give each youth a chance to perform live at the national PbS awards ceremony.

Preview Past Kids Got Talent Entries

Gather together to watch finalist montages from previous years for inspiration.

Have Fun!

Always remember to have fun discovering and showcasing your youths’ talents!

We look forward to viewing all the great submissions from our talented PbS young people!

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is now collecting applications for the 2022 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award. We hope you take the opportunity to share and celebrate the improvements and achievements of your facility by submitting an application.

Each year, the PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrate success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model.

For the second year in a row, we will accept video entries (3-5 minutes) in lieu of the full, written application. Your video application should answer the same three open-ended questions on the written application. Both written and video entries must connect the facility improvement plan to data and efforts for positive change: the ‘why’, the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ of your improvement plan.

Please sign in to the PbS website to view this year’s application for additional details on the written and video entry options. The application can be located online in My PbS > Surveys.

Applications will be accepted from now through Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk if you have any questions.

This article was originally published on the PbS blog.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce that the annual Kids Got Talent Contest is now open! This contest is such a joy for our team and every year, we are impressed with not only the talented youths but the staff that support their creative abilities. We always enjoy hearing about programs holding their own talent contests as incentives for young people or educational programming dedicated to developing a variety of skills such as music production or playwriting.

Since 2015, we have seen an incredible array of talents from comedy skits to feats of athleticism to musical performances. We encourage all youths in PbS participating programs to show off their talents, either as a group or individual act. The top solo performer will also be invited to perform at the annual Awards Night!

Submit your entries on the PbS website under Awards > Kids Got Talent

Entries will be accepted from February 1 through March 31. Finalists will be notified in April and winners will be notified in May.

Get started today by viewing last year’s montage for inspiration: 2021 PbS Kids Got Talent Finalist Montage

Congratulations to our 2021 Winners from Green Hill School and Ferris School- the latter program has produced a winning talent three years in a row!

Please contact the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

Thank you and good luck!

This article was originally published on the PbS blog.

Young people ages 16-24 from across the country who are passionate about juvenile justice reform can apply now to serve on the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC).

Teenagers and young adults with lived experiences in the system are especially encouraged to apply. ELC members are paid up to 6 hours per month for attendance at monthly meetings and involvement with additional projects.

The deadline to apply for this opportunity for professional and personal development is tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 1, 2021.

Illinois Youth Center- Warrenville Reception in Naperville, IL was selected as one of the finalists in the detention and assessment category for the 2021 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award for their big leaps in implementing best practices to ensure a safe and healthy environment for youths and staff.

Warrenville Reception joined Performance-based Standards (PbS) in 2009 to better understand what was working well and where they could make improvements. At the time, their data drew their attention to the number of incidents involving the use of restraints and staff reported fearing for their safety.

The team at Warrenville Reception began immediate steps to improve youth and staff safety. “All staff in the facility received training on de-escalation techniques and gender-specific training,” said Cherryl Holliday, site coordinator, following conversion of the all-girl facility to a co-ed one. Staff also engaged in regular discussions on the use of restraints during roll call. Briefing and mediation meetings after every incident allowed supervisors, staff and youths to discuss incidents and work together to come up with strategies on how to deal with similar situations more productively in future. This went a long way toward establishing positive staff-youth relationships and giving youths a voice.

The team also looked at health and well-being holistically and created a process giving youths access to additional mental health resources. A new Wellness Committee held events for staff including a health fair, seminar on health-related topics and a celebratory event, which had not been done for over 20 years.

As part of their improvement journey, the Warrenville team also increased the programming available for the youths. Their Project Pawsitive Future program partnership with a local humane society was particularly successful, enabling youths to learn kindness, empathy and how to engage with others by housing and training a shelter dog for three to four weeks. Youths also were given the option to wear street clothes instead of facility uniforms on community excursions to to deflect the negative attention facility uniforms sometimes drew. The clothes were donated by local organizations and community members.

PbS Coach Al Lick reflected on how far the facility has come: “As the PbS Coach in Illinois since 2009 I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand the evolution of Illinois Youth Corrections through their implementation of best practices to meet the critical outcome measures promoted by PbS. Those high operational standards have continued to be maintained and the positive results have provided valuable information for staff to create a supportive environment for youths during their stay at the facility.”

Just recently, Warrenville Reception hosted their first co-ed homecoming dance for the youths, with staff volunteering to run the event – an event that would have been unheard of 11 years ago. “It was the culmination of changes in the department, the facility staff and the youth that has made this possible,” said Lynette Pangburn, the facility superintendent.

The PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award was established in 2007 to honor Barbara Allen-Hagen and her retirement from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Her dedication to improving the quality of life in facilities has helped drive PbS to its current success. The award is given to a correction, detention/assessment and community program who best exemplify PbS’ commitment to treating all youths as one of our own by developing and implementing strategic plans to change practices that results in positive outcomes for youths, staff and families.

This article was originally published on the PbS blog.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) generously donated $10,000 to support scholarships for youths who are current or recent residents of a PbS facility or program. Youths will be able to offset the costs of university degrees or college credits and support their efforts to further post-secondary education. This year we had 25 youths apply and with the AECF donation we will be able to give scholarships to almost triple the number of young people and cover the cost of two semesters.

The Performance-based Standards (PbS) Reentry Award was established in 2016 to support youths as they return to living in the community. Recipients are given a gift card for a nearby department store to purchase household items, linens, clothes for work and other things to ease their reentry transition. Ideally, the gift cards are provided to staff to present to the youths shortly before their release. Seeing the tremendous need for this kind of support in applications for this opportunity and PbS’ other awards for youths, in 2019 we established the PbS Education and Employment Foundation specifically to raise awareness and money to support as many youths involved in juvenile justice systems as possible.

If you are working with a youth in a PbS-participating facility or program who would benefit from up to $500 to pay for some of the important pieces missing from their reentry or case management plan, please consider filling out an application.

Applications will be accepted now through Friday, April 30, 2021.

The application deadline for the 2021 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is quickly approaching. This prestigious award is presented annually to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrates success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model.

This year’s application asks three open-ended questions to describe why, how and what applicants did using the facility improvement plan (FIP) process. Interested in trying something new this year? We encourage applicants to send in a short video (3-5 minutes) instead of completing the full written application on the website.

To help make your application as successful as possible, make sure you review each of the following steps as you prepare your application. As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment to treating all youths as one of your own.

Tip 1: Review this year’s requirements.

• Determine eligibility and get your PbS team together. (Try a video recording to tell your story).
• Applications are accepted now through April 16, 2021, and we encourage you to send them in early.

Tip 2: Read the questions carefully.

• Answers should address each component of all questions to ensure a strong response. Be mindful that each open-ended question has a word count limit.
• A good application shows where you started, why you decided to start there and what you did to make change happen. It’s important to remember the purpose of the application – to share your program’s accomplishments!

Tip 3: Be specific, but brief.

• We all know that true improvement and change at a facility or program is a team effort. Reflect on the ways the leadership and the team have worked together to make change happen and give some clear examples of the challenges and successes your team experienced along the way.
• Present specific examples of the interventions you mention in your application. Your story can motivate and guide others looking to meet a similar goal.
• Provide supporting data to show progress related to how your focus subject has changed over time using your improvement plan.

Tip 4: Get inspired!

• Watch some of the winner’s videos from previous years and seek out finalist and winner’s blog posts to get motivated about your program’s improvements and your own application!
• Reapplying with new accomplishments is highly encouraged!

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk if you have any questions.

March is Women’s History Month. Women bring unique life experiences to the conversation about juvenile justice that PbS wants to be heard and honored. Join us on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 2 pm ET for a live webinar panel discussion: "Moving Juvenile Justice Forward?—Women's Perspectives."

Register now!

We will hear from some of the many women who have inspired and led juvenile justice over the years, and their unique perspectives on the changes, challenges and opportunities to move forward:

Chyrl Jones, Acting Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Laurie Garduque, Director, Criminal Justice, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Velvet McGowan, Deputy Director, Division of Institutional Services, South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Facilitating the safety of youths and staff took on new meaning this past year and we know you rose to meet the challenges with courage, resilience and dedication. We hope you take the opportunity to celebrate your creative solutions and achievements by applying for the 2021 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award.

Every year, we present the PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrates success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model to treat all youths as one of our own.

For the second year in a row, we are unable to film videos of the winning facilities, so we encourage applicants to send in a short video (3-5 minutes) instead of completing the full written application on the website. Your video application should answer the same three open-ended questions on the written application: the ‘why’, the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ of your improvement plan. Feel free to be creative and view the videos showcasing previous winners for inspiration.

Please sign in to the PbS website to view this year’s application for additional details on the written and video entry options. The application can be located online in My PbS > Surveys.

Applications will be accepted from now through Friday, April 16, 2021.

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk if you have any questions.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the annual Kids Got Talent Contest is now open! This contest is such a joy for our staff and every year, we are impressed with not only the talented youths but the staff that supports their creative abilities. Since 2015, we have seen an incredible array of talents from comedy skits to feats of athleticism to musical performances. We encourage all youths in PbS facilities to express their creativity and show off their talents, either as a group or a solo performance. The top solo performer will also be invited to perform at the annual Awards Night!

Submit your entries on the PbS website under Awards > Kids Got Talent

Entries will be accepted February 1 through March 31. Finalists will be notified in April and winners will be notified in May.

Get started today by viewing the following videos and articles for inspiration!

2020 PbS Kids Got Talent Finalist Montage

2020 PbS Virtual Awards Ceremony

Please contact the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and the success of our virtual fundraiser “Creating Real Second Chances,” Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the availability of additional funds to helps youths return to their homes and communities.

The application for a second round of the 2020 PbS Reentry Award has opened. First developed in 2016 in honor of national Reentry Week, PbS annually offers Reentry Awards to help ease and support youths' transition from secure placement to the community. (More information about the PbS Education and Employment Foundation’s reentry assistance work can be found here). Earlier this year, PbS awarded $5,000 to assist 10 youths leaving PbS facilities and we are not done yet.

If you are working with a youth in a PbS-participating facility released to the community in November or December who would benefit from some assistance (up to $250), please consider filling out an application.

Applications will be accepted from now through Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020 for youths leaving PbS-participating facilities between Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020.

Safety and health are everyone’s priorities now. The PbS team and technology are able to move forward as usual for the April – October improvement cycle but we know not everyone will be able to do so. Please talk with your coach about any adjustments or support you need. There will be no penalties for anything related to the COVID-19 pandemic, only understanding. To reach the PbS Help Desk who are working remotely due to the state of emergency declared in Massachusetts, please email help@pbstandards.org or dial: 781-222-4788.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is now accepting applications for the 2020 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award! The PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented annually to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrates success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model.

This year’s application asks three open-ended questions to describe why, how and what applicants did using the facility improvement plan (FIP) process. To help make this year’s application as successful as possible, make sure you review each of the following steps as you prepare your application.

Tip 1: Review this year’s requirements.

• Determine your site’s eligibility and get your PbS team together to start thinking about the improvement story you’d like to share.
• Applications will be accepted from February 1 through March 31, 2020, and we encourage everyone to get an early start on the questions.

Tip 2: Read the questions carefully.

• Ensure a strong response to each question by addressing each component of each question. Be mindful that each open-ended question has a word count range. Any words over the upper limit cannot be read by the judges.
• A good application shows where you started, why you decided to start there and what you did to make change happen. It’s important to remember the purpose of the application – to share your program’s accomplishments!

Tip 3: Be specific, but brief.

• We all know that true improvement and change at a facility or program is a team effort. Reflect on the ways the leadership and the team have worked together to make change happen and give some clear examples of the challenges and successes your team experienced along the way.
• Present specific examples of the interventions you mention in your application. Your story can motivate and guide others looking to meet a similar goal.
• Provide supporting data to show progress related to how your focus subject has changed over time using your improvement plan.

Tip 4: Get inspired!

• Watch some of the winner’s videos from previous years and seek out finalist and winner’s blog posts to get motivated about your program’s improvements and your own application!
• Reapplying with a focus on new accomplishments is highly encouraged!
• We’ve included an optional question at the end of the application to help us celebrate PbS’ 25th anniversary. Think about a significant change you’ve seen or been a part of in juvenile justice, your agency or your site over the years and tell us about it!

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk if you have any questions.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) proudly presents a Barbara Allen-Hagen Award each year to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program for living out the PbS mission to treat all youths as one of our own. Facilities submit the facility improvement plan (FIP) that best demonstrates their commitment to continuous improvement for a chance to be honored at the annual Awards Night and a professionally produced video of their program.

We encourage you to start working on your Barbara Allen-Hagen Award application as soon as possible. To submit an application, sign in to the PbS website and find the application under My PbS > Surveys.

The PbS Kids Got Talent Contest is a staff favorite and a tangible reminder of why we do what we do. Since 2015, we have seen an incredible array of talents from clever magicians to gifted musicians. We encourage all youths in PbS facilities to express their creativity and show off their talents, either as a group or a solo performance. The top solo performer will also be invited to the annual Awards Night, to perform live!

Submit your entries on the PbS website under Awards > Talent Contest > Submit An Entry.

Entries for both awards will be accepted February 1 through March 31. All finalists will be notified in April and winners will be notified in May.

Please note in honor of PbS’ 25th anniversary, we will be holding a special Youth Art Contest for all of the talented artists in PbS participating facilities. Details to follow.

Get started today by viewing the following videos and articles for inspiration!

2019 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen winners

2019 PbS Kids Got Talent finalist montage

2019 PbS Awards Ceremony in Boston

Please contact the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the return of the Employment Matching Award. Developed in 2017 to promote work opportunities and experiences while youths are in custody, the 2019 PbS Employment Matching Award will match up to $1,000 of what selected youths earn from July 1 - Sept. 1, 2019. The winners will receive the funds upon release.

Applications for the PbS Employment Matching Award will be accepted now through June 30, 2019. Applications include a youth questionnaire, staff recommendation, and proof of employment. Winners will be notified in July.

To join other national efforts to improve reentry outcomes, Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2019 PbS Reentry Award. First developed in 2016 in honor of national Reentry Week, PbS annually offers Reentry Awards to help ease and support youths' transition from secure placement to the community. This year’s award has $2,000 available for four youths leaving PbS facilities.

If you are working with a youth in a PbS-participating agency or facility released to the community from March 1 – June 1, and would benefit from up to $500 to pay for one of the small but important pieces missing from his or her aftercare or case management plan, please consider filling out an application.

Applications will be accepted in conjunction with national Second Chance Month, from now through Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

We are excited to announce that the Performance-based Standards (PbS) Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications! The PbS Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 to inspire and encourage youths and staff in facilities participating in PbS to continue their academic learning by awarding grants to help offset the costs of post-secondary education. The 2019 Scholarship Fund has $6,000 available that will be given to two youths and two staff in awards up to $2,000.

To apply, eligible youth and staff must complete the PbS Scholarship Application Form, write a one-page essay describing how the applicant will use their education to better the lives of others, provide a letter of recommendation, and provide documentation or verification of acceptance into the educational program.

Please note the letter of recommendation requirement is brand new to this year’s application. We are requesting no more than 250 words from someone that knows the career or educational goals of the applicant. Youth applicants may submit a recommendation from a teacher, facility staff or other adult who knows their educational goals. Staff applicants may submit a recommendation from an educator or supervisor.

The application period for 2019 is March 1 through May 1. You may submit your entry by mail, email, or online upload through the PbS website. Before beginning your application, please real the full Scholarship Fund eligibility and rules. To help you get inspired, we suggest reading some quotes from past winners on how this award has impacted their lives!

The application period for the 2019 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is now open! The PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented annually to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrates success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model.

This year’s application asks three open-ended questions to describe why, how and what applicants did using the facility improvement plan (FIP) process. To help make this year’s application as successful as possible, make sure you review each of the following steps as you prepare your application. As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment to treating all youths as one of your own.

Tip 1: Review this year’s requirements.

• Determine eligibility and get your PbS team together to start thinking about your story.

• Applications are accepted February 1 through March 31, 2019, and we encourage you to get an early start on the questions.

• For a special bonus, applications received by 11:59 PM EDT on Monday, March 18, will be eligible for great PbS prizes drawn during the Pre-Data Collection DLW on Wednesday, March 20!

Tip 2: Read the questions carefully.

• This may seem obvious, but it is such an important thing to remember and that’s why we encourage you to start early!

• Answers should address each component of all questions to ensure a strong response. Be mindful that each open-ended question has a word count limit.

• A good application shows where you started, why you decided to start there and what you did to make change happen. It’s important to remember the purpose of the application – to share your program’s accomplishments!

Tip 3: Be specific, but brief.

• We all know that true improvement and change at a facility or program is a team effort. Reflect on the ways the leadership and the team have worked together to make change happen and give some clear examples of the challenges and successes your team experienced along the way.

• Present specific examples of the interventions you mention in your application. Your story can motivate and guide others looking to meet a similar goal.

• Provide supporting data to show progress related to how your focus subject has changed over time using your improvement plan.

Tip 4: Get inspired!

• Watch some of the winner’s videos from previous years and seek out finalist and winner’s blog posts to get motivated about your program’s improvements and your own application!

• Reapplying with new accomplishments is highly encouraged!

Contact your PbS Coach or the PbS Help Desk if you have any questions.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) proudly presents a PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award each year to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program for living out the PbS mission to treat all youths in custody as one of our own. Facilities submit the facility improvement plan (FIP) that best demonstrates their commitment to continuous improvement for a chance to be honored at the annual Awards Night in Boston and a professionally produced video of their program.

We encourage you to start working on your Barbara Allen-Hagen Award application as soon as possible. If you submit the application by 11:59 PM EDT on Monday, March 18, your facility will be eligible for great PbS prizes drawn during the Pre-Data Collection DLW on Wednesday, March 20!

To submit an application, sign in to the PbS website and find the application under My PbS > Surveys.

The PbS Kids Got Talent Contest is a staff favorite and a tangible reminder of why we do what we do. Since 2015, we have seen an incredible array of talents from clever magicians to gifted musicians. We encourage all youths in PbS facilities to express their creativity and show off their talents, either as a group or a solo performance. The top solo performer will also be invited to the annual Awards Night, to perform live!

Submit your entries on the PbS website under Awards > Talent Contest > Submit An Entry.

Entries for both awards will be accepted February 1 through March 31. All finalists will be notified in April and winners will be notified in May.

Get started today by viewing the following videos and articles for inspiration!

2018 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen winners

2018 PbS Kids Got Talent finalist montage

2018 PbS Awards Ceremony in Minneapolis

Please contact the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the four outstanding applicants selected to receive the 2018 PbS Scholarship Awards. The PbS Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 to inspire, encourage and support youths and staff in PbS facilities pursuing their education. This year’s scholarship fund awarded a total of $6,000.

Two youths and two staff were chosen from a pool of 62 exceptional applications to receive up to $2,000 to advance their education.

Congratulations to:

• Naomi P., a youth at Good Shepherd Services - Rose House, New York City. She will receive $2,000 to assist with the cost of her Cosmetology program at the Aveda Institute. Naomi’s dream is to make other people feel special and employ young girls in a situation similar to hers.

• Stephen K., a youth at Camp Tillamook, Oregon. Stephen was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to assist with a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management. Stephen is a third time recipient with an incredible GPA and an inspiring dedication to his education.

• Elizabeth F., a staff member of Echo Glen Children's Center, Washington. Elizabeth will receive $2,000 to assist with her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Washington. Her goal of improving a generation of juveniles will take her to obtaining a Master’s in Criminal Justice or Social Work in the future.

• Demarie K., counselor at Decker Lake Youth Center, Utah. She will receive $1,000 to assist with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. She will be specializing in equine-assisted mental health to accomplish her dream of working for a “treatment center that uses experiential therapy modalities.”

We applaud our four remarkable recipients and thank everyone that applied for the 2018 PbS Scholarship Award.

This article was originally published on the CJCA blog.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the return of the Employment Matching Award. Developed in 2017 to promote work opportunities and experiences while youths are in custody, the 2018 PbS Employment Matching Award will match up to $1,000 of what selected youths earn from July 1 - Sept. 1, 2018. The winners will receive the funds upon release.

Applications for the 2018 PbS Employment Matching Award will be accepted now through June 30, 2018.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2018 PbS Reentry Award. Developed in 2016 in honor of National Reentry Week, PbS annually provides Reentry Awards to help ease and support youths' transition from secure placement to the community.

If you are working with a youth in a PbS-participating agency or facility who would benefit from up to $500 to pay for one of the small but important pieces missing from his or her aftercare or case management plan, please consider filling out an application.

Applications will be accepted now through Thursday, May 31, 2018.

The application for the 2018 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is now open! The PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented annually to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrates success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model to treat all youths in custody as one of our own.

We are happy to say that we shortened the application for 2018! Instead of five questions, we are now asking only three open-ended questions with shorter word counts to describe why, how and what applicants did using the facility improvement plan (FIP) process. Here are some tips for filling out and submitting a successful application for this year’s award!

Read the questions carefully and answer them fully!

This may seem obvious, but it is such an important thing to remember and that’s what makes it our number 1 tip for a great application! Each question in the application has multiple parts and your answers should address each of them to help ensure a strong response overall.

Tell your story!

The questions on the application are designed to help you tell the story of your facility improvement plan success. A good application is one that shows where you started, why you decided to start there and what you did to make change happen. It’s important to remember the purpose of the application – to share your program’s and team’s accomplishments!

Talk about your team!

We all know that true improvement and change at a facility or program is not accomplished by one person alone. Leadership and the team have to work together to get buy-in from staff, youths and sometimes families to make change happen. Your application should reflect this collaboration and give some clear examples of the challenges and successes your team experienced along the way.

Be specific.

Present specific examples of the interventions you mention in your application. Including details about how you implemented changes tells a motivating story that can be used to guide others looking for examples of ways to meet a similar goal.

Present supporting data.

Be sure to review your outcome measure reports while writing your application to gather information on how the data related to your focus subject has changed over time with the changes implemented using your improvement plan. Point to these data in your application to show proof of progress!

Review the eligibility requirements and deadline on the first page of the application.

Applications are accepted until March 31, 2018, but it is always good to get an early start on the questions. Even if you are not filling out your application right now, it is always helpful to start thinking about the story behind your improvements and their sustainability as soon as possible.

Get inspired!

Watch some of the winner’s videos from previous years and seek out finalist and winner’s blog posts to get motivated about your program’s improvements and your own application! Reapplying is highly encouraged!

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to treating all youths as one of your own.

PbS invites all youths in participating facilities or programs to showcase their talents during the fourth annual PbS Kids Got Talent Contest. The contest’s expert and celebrity judges are increasingly impressed by the incredible lineup of performances over the years from PbS youths across the nation. Previous guest judges include an NBA All-Star, Hollywood movie producer, contestants from national television talent shows and more!

Don’t miss out on a chance to showcase your facility’s talented youths! Submit a video or audio recording of your youths’ talents by March 31, 2018.

Helpful Tips:

Generate Excitement
Spread the word by telling your youth about the opportunity to participate in the national PbS Kids Got Talent Contest and hang up the PbS Kids Got Talent Flyer around your program or facility to generate excitement!

Review Contest Guidelines
Read the contest guidelines on the submission page. All entries must be recorded while the youth is residing in the facility or program and each entry must be submitted with the PbS release form by March 31, 2018.

Submit Entries Early
Record and submit entries early to give youths the opportunity to discover even more of their talents before the contest comes to a close on March 31. Each youth or group can submit as many entries as they wish and multiple entries are highly encouraged. Share the many talents of your youth!

Hold a Talent Show
Hold a talent show at your facility to encourage creativity and a little friendly competition. Submit the performances to the PbS Kids Got Talent Contest to give each youth a chance to perform live at the national PbS awards ceremony in August!

Preview past Kids Got Talent Entries
Gather youths together to watch finalist montages from previous years for inspiration!

Have Fun!
Always remember to have fun discovering and showcasing your youths’ talents!

Thank you for your continued commitment to treating all youths as one of your own! We look forward to viewing all the great submissions from our talented PbS youths!

We are now accepting applications for the 2018 Barbara Allen-Hagen Award and PbS Kids Got Talent Contest!

The Barbara Allen-Hagen Award is presented annually to one long-term correction facility, one short-term detention or assessment center and one community residential program that best demonstrates success using PbS’ data-driven improvement model to treat all youths in custody as one of our own. A video will be produced in honor of each winning facility about the incredible improvements that lead to the positive outcomes of youths. Representatives from the winning facilities will travel to the annual PbS awards ceremony to accept the award.

To submit an application, sign in to the PbS website and find the application under My PbS > Surveys.

The PbS Kids Got Talent Contest has also begun, encouraging youths in PbS facilities to express their talents. Since Kids Got Talent was established in 2015, we have seen an incredible lineup of performances from sports enthusiasts to gifted dancers. Talented youths submit entries from across the nation to show the judges what they’ve got. The top scoring solo performer will be invited to perform live at the PbS awards ceremony in Minneapolis.

Submit your entries on the PbS website under Awards > Talent Contest.

Entries for both will be accepted now through March 31. All finalists will be notified in April and winners will be notified in May.

View the following videos and articles for inspiration!

2017 Barbara Allen-Hagen winners

2017 Kids Got Talent finalist montage

2017 PbS Awards Ceremony in Chicago

Please contact the PbS Help Desk with any questions.

The PbS Learning Institute (PbS) honored the winners of the 2017 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award at the 2017 CJCA and PbS Awards Night in Chicago. The winners were recognized for best exemplifying PbS’ commitment to treating all youths in custody as one of our own. Three winners were selected, one from each of the different types of residential facilities participating in PbS: correction facilities, detention/assessment centers and community residential programs. Twenty-nine facilities from across the country competed for the awards.

The 2017 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award winners are:

Correction: Ferris School in Wilmington, DE

Detention/Assessment: Nampa Observation and Assessment Center (O&A) in Nampa, ID

Community Residential: Grace Cottage in Wilmington, DE

The winners were selected for using the Facility Improvement Plan (FIP) process to guide culture changes and practices at the facility to improve conditions for youths and staff and treat youths as developing adolescents with limitless potential.

“This year’s winners and finalists overcame resistance to change and made believers out of skeptics. They looked at obstacles such as limited resources as opportunities and patiently implemented new policies, practices, trainings and programming. They did what many think is impossible: changed facility cultures to be free of fighting, managed behavior with healthy, nurturing staff-youth relationships, made everyone feel safe and welcomed families for visits, treatment meetings and events. The 2017 winners, finalists and semi-finalists are inspirations for all of us,” noted PbS Executive Director Kim Godfrey.

PbS is a data-driven improvement model grounded in research that challenges youth correction, detention, assessment and community residential facilities and agencies to treat all youths in custody as one of our own. PbS was launched 22 years ago by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to address the safety, health and quality of life issues reported in the 1994 Conditions of Confinement Study. Over time, PbS uniquely has established national standards to guide operations and uniform performance outcome measures to continuously, accurately and comprehensively monitor daily practices and cultures in youth facilities.

For more information please visit the PbS website: http://pbstandards.org or contact Executive Director Kim Godfrey at 781-843-2663.

Read the press release.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) presents the next in a series of publications that offers a snapshot of the conditions of confinement and quality of life in secure facilities. This week, PbS published the PbS Perspective July 2017.

In this edition, PbS focuses on data related to family engagement practices that research shows are essential to reducing recidivism and ensuring a youth’s success. The brief shares aggregate data from April 2017 on connecting with families, creating valued relationships and involving families in treatment and discharge planning. Featured data includes:

• Most families reported feeling welcome at facilities;
• A majority of staff reported they have better results working with youths when families are included;
• Most youths agreed the programming they attend is helping them to understand what they need to do to succeed when they return home; and
• Nearly all families who participated in their child’s aftercare or discharge plan reported they understood, agreed with and were able to comply with the plan.

For more PbS data and information on connecting with families, visit the PbS issue briefs resource page.

To learn more about the relationship between facility safety and cost-effectiveness, PbS partnered with a team of graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs to conduct a cost-benefit analysis on staff training at juvenile correctional facilities using PbS’ national database. You can read their full report here.

You can read the full text of PbS' summary of their research on the CJCA Blog.

The 2017 Barbara Allen-Hagen Award Application can be entered online until March 31st. To retrieve the application, login and go to the My PbS tab and click on Surveys.

Helpful tips to successfully complete the application:

Keep an eye on directions

Read the directions carefully. The word count for each question is important and will be monitored by the judges. Each question has a word limit, so be aware and check each one carefully.

Quick Tip: Using a word processor such as Microsoft Word to draft each answer will allow a quick word count and may also catch potential grammatical errors.

Select the most constructive improvement plan

The improvement plan that is selected should contain essential information including: the focus, the outcome measures and the action steps placed for improvement.

Quick Tip: Displaying collaborative teamwork shows the engagement of all team members. Including positive comments by various team members in your application is highly encouraged.

Present supportive data

Provide data that displays proof of the progress made by the improvement plan.

Quick Tip: Review your outcome measure reports while writing your application for more information on how the data related to your focus subject has changed over time.

Answer each question

Each question is significant and efforts to include all components will be evaluated.

Quick Tip: Create an outline to draft what each response will include before writing out each answer.

Write clear, concise, and convincing answers

Make sure the major points are written clearly and in a way that would be understood by a range of readers.

Quick Tip: For more information of previous award winners visit our Barbara Allen-Hagen Award page.

Preview past Barbara Allen-Hagen Applications

Reapplying is highly encouraged!

Quick Tip: If you are using an FIP from a previous application, be sure to update data, language, etc. from prior application to showcase recent improvements.

Thank you for your continued commitment to treating all youths as one of your own! We look forward to reading your applications!

Performance-based Standards (PbS) presents the next in a series of publications that offers a snapshot of the conditions of confinement and quality of life in secure facilities. This week, PbS published the PbS Perspective January 2017.

In this edition, PbS connects data with research in areas research shows impact education and recidivism outcomes for youths. Research shows communications with families, treating substance use issues, developing vocational skills and creating safe environments all lead to positive outcomes. Featured data from October 2016 shows similar positive experiences with correction facilities and community residential programs including:

• A majority of families reported they know who to contact with questions about their child’s well-being;
• Nearly all families involved in the development of their child’s treatment plan understand and agree with the plan;
• Most youths whose treatment plans prescribe substance use treatment receive the treatment; and
• A majority of youths in correction and community facilities do not fear for their safety.

For more on positive youth outcomes visit the PbS issue briefs resource page.