The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) works to keep youth out of locked detention whenever it is safe to do so. The goal is to protect public safety while using community-based options for lower-risk youth.
Before a youth can be detained, they are screened using a Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI). This tool looks at how much risk the youth may pose to public safety and how likely they are to come back to court.
Youth who pose a serious safety risk may be placed in secure detention. Others may return home with conditions, be placed in a shelter program​ or be monitored using GPS. JDAI has helped reduce the number of youth held in the Juvenile Services Center in Dakota County.
For more information, contact Dakota County Community Corrections at 651-438-8399.