Multnomah County Juvenile Services Division (JSD) is invested in programs, partnerships and community leadership roles that helps makes juvenile justice systems more fair, effective, rational and developmentally appropriate.
Our commitments to juvenile system reform include:
Reform initiatives
Crossover Youth Practice Model
- This partnership between the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and Multnomah County Juvenile Services Division (JSD) aims to better serve youth involved in both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
- Our juvenile services division is among the first national sites to implement JDAI, a change model that helps participating jurisdictions reduce their reliance on local confinement of court-involved youth. Keeping youth out of detention, whenever possible, reduces the risk of their eventual incarceration.
- The Reclaiming Futures program uses a team-based model to assist teenagers with substance abuse issues. Judges, probation officers, treatment professionals, community members and families work together on behalf of young people. The program delivers coordinated services that improve access to drug and alcohol treatment and helps justice-involved young people find jobs and volunteer work.
Collaborative efforts
- JSD representatives on the Juvenile Justice Council help develop and implement policies, procedures and practices to improve the juvenile justice system.
Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)
- JSD representatives on LPSCC help create a continuum of sanctions and services for both juvenile and adult offenders that emphasize the prevention of criminal activity and community safety.
Community partnerships
Kids at Home in the Wild (KaHW!)
- KaHW! provides at-risk youth with positive adult bonding through field trips and other outdoor activities. Multnomah County Juvenile Services Division (JSD) is a key KaHW! in partnership with Volunteers of America Oregon.