Center for Juvenile Justice Reform - Connection to Practice Model

The Center for Juvenile Justice Reform has created a variety of mechanisms to improve how jurisdictions can improve outcomes for youth through policy, practice, and enhancements in leadership capacity. Two of these programs are the Crossover Youth Practice Model and the Certificate Programs.

CJJR developed the Crossover Youth Practice Model (CYPM) to assist jurisdictions in improving practices and policies related to youth known to both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems ("crossover youth"). CJJR also offers the Multi-System Integration Certificate Program--a period of intensive study designed for organization and system leaders working with crossover youth. CJJR has aligned these two programs as a way to enhance knowledge of multi-systems issues in jurisdictions around the country. While these programs can be accessed separately, they are also complementary to one another.

As a result of the connection between the two programs, many individuals and jurisdictions have contacted us asking whether the Multi-System Integration Certificate Program is good preparation for practice model implementation, or if attending the Certificate Program would enhance the work of a current practice model site. The answer to both questions is "yes." Past participants have used the learning from the Certificate Program to implement the CYPM as their Capstone Project. Conversely, CYPM sites have selected a core group to attend the Certificate Program to deepen their understanding of multi-systems reforms and enhance their community's ongoing reforms.

Relationship between Certificate Programs and CYPM

There are benefits to both pathways. Communities that are interested in pursuing the Crossover Youth Practice Model, but are not sure if they are ready, can attend the Multi-System Integration Certificate Program to gain insight into multi-systems reforms. After attending the program, they can then decide whether to pursue CYPM implementation as their Capstone Project, or pursue a different effort as a Capstone. Even jurisdictions that are certain of their desire to implement the CYPM will benefit from first sending a core group of leaders to the Certificate Program to gain advanced knowledge on multi-systems reforms for crossover youth. This can result in a quicker pace once CYPM implementation begins.*

Likewise, current CYPM sites would also benefit from attending the Certificate Program. While training and technical assistance is provided by CYPM consultants to sites, the Multi-System Integration Certificate Program allows for a deeper exploration of a multitude of issues relating to cross systems reform. Also, the issue specific Certificate Programs on topics like information sharing, youth in custody and racial and ethnic disparities can help CYPM sites get additional support on a particular issue. All Certificate Programs provide space for team building and problem solving, as well as for networking with others doing similar work. As a result, the Certificate Programs can accelerate efforts already underway.

There is a natural connection between the two programs--a connection we encourage applicants to keep in mind when they consider becoming involved in CJJR programs. That said, Certificate Program participants are not expected or required to implement the Crossover Youth Practice Model and Certificate Program participants are not predominantly from CYPM sites.

*There are selection criteria for becoming an official CYPM site. Attendance at a Certificate Program does not guarantee selection as a CYPM site.

Connection to the Crossover Youth Practice Model