The Racial and Ethnic Disparities (R/ED) Collaborative's mission is to make available quality data, research, and culturally responsive recommendations to address and prevent raicial and thenic disparities in Utah's youth justice system. It is a branch of the Utah Board of Juvenile Justice (UBJJ) and was established to help address the component of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) which requires states to assess and address racial and ethnic disparities at key points in the youth justice system.
While the genesis to the creation of the R/ED Collaborative was a federal mandate, there is unified commitment across all juvenile justice stakeholders in Utah to tackle the overrepresentation of minority youth across systems. The R/ED Collaborative is comprised of juvenile justice practitioners, educators, and community-based leaders and advocates.
A Focus on Equity
Disparities in the juvenile justice system are a function of more far-reaching societal disparities extending to the socioecological environment minority youth uniquely face. This disparity in juvenile justice can only be comprehensively addressed if also addressed in other systems of care for youth and their community at large. The Pro-Equity Policy Framework report, in conjunction with the policy toolkits, serve as a tool to guide meaningful policy discussions on innovative interventions within the stakeholder’s jurisdiction and to foster collaborations across agencies to develop a robust continuum of care for youth in Utah.
Civic Engagement Training
The R/ED Collaborative encourages young adults across Utah to become civically engaged in issues related to racial and ethnic disparities within the juvenile justice system.
During the four-week Civic Engagement Training program, young adults were able to engage and connect to city, county and state officials, community members, and organizations working in and with the juvenile justice system.
