The Juvenile Justice Institute conducts research on juvenile justice issues and uses the findings to help North Carolina policymakers and practitioners make well-informed policy and program decisions to reduce juvenile crime and delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system. The Institute develops resources and opportunities through innovative strategies for growth by means of 1) collaborating with the best stakeholders in the juvenile justice community and 2) providing extended services that are relevant and provide ideal support to the concerns that are important amongst our partners, stakeholders, and clients.

In addition to providing services and support to various stakeholders, the Institute focuses on assisting public agencies and private service providers to incorporate evidence-based knowledge and practices into new and existing programs in order to improve performance and outcomes. Our approach stresses the relevance of linking theory to practice, and consequently bridging the gap between science and service.