Research and Analytics

The JCJC routinely completes research to further explore trends and determine the effectiveness and impact of policies and programs. This work is typically conducted as ad hoc research based on emerging issues in the juvenile justice field. The information compiled from this research is routinely used to make recommendations to both county and state stakeholders. Research results lead to policy and procedural changes, as well as the implementation of new evidence-based practices and processes. Research findings are presented in the form of full reports, infographics and other data visualizations, and data dashboards.

Furthermore, this research helps guide juvenile court and juvenile probation practice and policy in a variety of ways. Research assists in the identification of issues or gaps within a jurisdiction, whether in policy, practice, or procedure. Research also offers insight into what works for the successful administration of juvenile justice in Pennsylvania. Finally, research aids in the planning for policy, practice, and procedural changes and the impact of such changes on jurisdictions. 

The JCJC maintains a unique statewide information management system known as the Pennsylvania Juvenile Case Management System (PaJCMS) that is appealing to juvenile justice researchers due to its depth, breadth, and cleanliness. Third-party researchers may mine PaJCMS data to answer a variety of research questions at either the county and/or state level by looking at a snapshot in time or trends over many years.