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

In addition, the Institute focuses on assisting public agencies 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.