Georgia Juvenile Justice Reform

Case Study

 
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Evidence-Based Reform for Georgia’s Juvenile Justice System

Since 2013, EBA has worked with Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice to expand the use of evidence-based programs as part of statewide reform efforts. Through targeted implementation support and quality assurance, EBA helps community providers deliver proven interventions that reduce recidivism and improve youth outcomes.

Problem

Overuse of Secure Confinement & Limited Evidence-Based Programming

Before 2013, Georgia's juvenile justice system relied heavily on secure facilities, even for youth with low-level offenses. This overuse of confinement was costly and ineffective at reducing recidivism. Access to proven, community-based interventions was limited, and outcomes for system-involved youth remained poor.

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Solution

Statewide Juvenile Justice Reform & EBA Implementation Support

As part of Georgia’s 2013 juvenile justice reform initiative, EBA partnered with the Department of Juvenile Justice to expand access to evidence-based programs.

  • Supported providers in implementing Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST).
  • Delivered training, coaching, and fidelity monitoring to ensure effective service delivery.
  • Built systems for referral tracking, performance evaluation, and outcome measurement across counties.

These efforts helped Georgia shift from a punitive model to a treatment-oriented approach, emphasizing accountability and positive youth development.

Outcome

Reduced Recidivism, Cost Savings, and Statewide EBP Access

Georgia’s reforms produced strong results:

  • Recidivism rates declined among youth served by evidence-based programs.
  • The state saved millions by diverting youth from secure placement to effective community care.
  • A statewide infrastructure now supports the ongoing delivery and fidelity of proven interventions, benefiting youth and communities across Georgia.

This transformation has become a model for how public-private partnerships can drive systemic change in juvenile justice.

115 +
Years of combined experience
20 +
Evidence-based models supported
30 +
States and counties served

Solutions EBA Provided

Needs Assessment & Program Alignment

Identify ideal evidence-based programs and determine when and where they are most needed across the District to meet community needs effectively.

Implementation & Provider Support

Provide direct support to community-based agencies to help them successfully adopt and deliver evidence-based practices, including coaching and guidance throughout implementation.

Workforce & Provider Oversight

Monitor compliance with the EBP Hiring Manual and assist agencies in creating policies that support effective staff recruitment, training, and long-term retention.

Training & Capacity Coordination

Identify certified training partners and coordinate session schedules to ensure staff receive timely, relevant training while maintaining adequate service coverage.

Utilization & Referral Management

Manage referral processes to ensure appropriate, timely access to services, aligning client needs with the most suitable evidence-based programs.

Quality, Evaluation & Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with partners to track fidelity and outcomes, use dashboards and monitoring tools to evaluate performance, and keep stakeholders informed to guide ongoing improvements and sustain success.

Mecklenburg County, NC

EBA partnered with Alliance Health to assess service networks addressing youth crime and gun violence in Charlotte.

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Testimonials regarding EBA's work in Georgia

The staff at EBA have been exceptional. We have been able to reduce detainments and ... provide much needed intensive services to families in crisis. EBA has been a great partner.

Honorable John Sumner, Presiding Judge, Cherokee County, GA

2015–2016 President Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges

The services provided by EBA has greatly improved Grace Harbour's service delivery as a provider of evidence based services and has directly contributed to greater service outcomes, including increased program family retention rates, decreased criminal charges, and decreased recidivism rates for the youth and families served. EBA has and continues to play a vital role in the programmatic success of our MST and FFT teams at Grace Harbour.

Kevin Freeman, PhD, LPC, NCC, MAC, CPCS

President & CEO | Grace Harbour, Inc

Additional Georgia Information

Models currently in use in the Families First project in Georgia.

EBA supports the delivery of several rigorously tested treatment models for children, youth, and families in Georgia:

  • Functional Family Therapy (FFT): Serves at-risk youth and their families by improving family dynamics and reducing delinquency.
  • Multisystemic Therapy (MST): Aimed at youth with serious antisocial behavior; works across home, school, and community systems.
  • Aggression Replacement Training
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Links and Downloads

Statewide Performance Dashboard Reductions in Recidivism Graph
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Family Focused: Opposite of 'Scared Straight,' Intervention Helps Youth Connect and Feel Understood

Youth Today - November 2016

Go to story
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Terri Barnes

Project Director, Georgia Project
tbarnes@ebanetwork.com

Natalie May

Project Manager, Georgia Project
nmay@ebanetwork.com

Click here to see our full team
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Looking for more real-world implementation examples?

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