NCJ Number
215786
Date Published
October 2006
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the importance and purposes of "juvenile information sharing" (information sharing among key agencies responsible for community safety and the health and well-being of at-risk youth and juvenile offenders) and presents guidelines for such information sharing.
Abstract
Key Federal agencies responsible for the health and well-being of America's youth have identified juvenile information sharing (JIS) as an essential tool for assisting juvenile justice, education, health, and other youth-serving agencies in improving their services for at-risk and delinquent youth and their families. JIS enables decisionmakers to access and exchange critical information electronically at key decision points, and it facilitates more efficient access to data and information from multiple locations. JIS also improves data quality and eliminates redundant data collection and entry. Achieving effective juvenile information sharing, however, requires a significant change in the information-sharing practices of many agencies. The JIS guidelines presented in this report are intended to achieve uniformity on appropriate information that can be shared among jurisdictions as well the mechanisms used for effective and efficient information-sharing. One chapter provides direction for establishing an effective JIS collaborative, as well as the management structure and project management. A second chapter guides youth-serving agencies through assessment, strategic planning and policy, and procedure development. These guidelines are designed to ensure the protection and security of private information about youth, families, and victims, while achieving cross-agency integration and interoperability. A third chapter recommends the implementation of JIS policies and procedures, training, and continuous quality improvement, so as to ensure effective juvenile information sharing. The final chapter suggests policies for transparency, openness, and public communication regarding JIS policies and procedures. A 39-item bibliography and a glossary