RD400 - Interstate Commission for Juveniles Annual Report FY2017


Executive Summary:
This year was a time of unprecedented change for the Interstate Commission for Juveniles, with disaffiliation from the Council of State Governments (CSG), new leadership at the National Office and a long overdue upgrade of our data system. Amid transition, we continued to advance our mission and strategic initiatives by providing extensive training and developing several new resources. Having been a part of the Commission for 14 years, it was an honor for me to serve as the Commission’s Chair during this critical time.

Due to rising costs of the CSG affiliation, ICJ withdrew from our long-standing relationship with CSG in FY17. After months of work to establish new accounts and absorb additional accounting and human resources tasks, the disaffiliation was finalized on December 1, 2016. Consequently, ICJ realized substantial savings that can be invested in future projects that promote public safety, victims’ rights and juvenile accountability that is balanced with safe-guarding those juveniles.

In addition to the structural transformation, ICJ underwent a major change in leadership following the resignation of its first Executive Director Ashley Lippert in December 2016. Ashley made tremendous contributions to ICJ, including expanding membership to include all 50 states, DC, and the USVI; launching the Juvenile Interstate Data System (JIDS); and spearheading the disaffiliation from CSG. ICJ will be forever grateful for her vision and her leadership. We are glad for continued opportunities to partner with Ashley in her new role as Executive Director for the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision.

Following an extensive national search, ICJ welcomed its new Executive Director in April 2017. MaryLee Underwood is an attorney with vast experience in public policy and administration in government and non-profit agencies. With a background in social work focused on children and abuse, she has been instrumental in shaping national and state policy regarding human trafficking, sexual assault, and victims’ rights. MaryLee hit the ground running during this transition period and is working diligently to advance ICJ’s Strategic Plan.

JIDS is ICJ’s national web-based system that facilitates the supervision, transfer, acceptance, tracking, and return of juveniles from one state to another. In FY17, the first major upgrade of JIDS was performed, which was critical for replacing outdated software that was no longer supported. The upgrade incorporated a sleek, new design with a modern interface, and up-to-date icons.

First-class training and resources are essential for Compact implementation. ICJ developed several new resources, including a concise “Bench Card” for judges and a Best Practice Guide regarding “Interstate Relocations with the Receiving State.” The Training Committee provided extensive training to address the varied needs of 8,651 criminal justice and child welfare professionals throughout the U.S.

Throughout a year that brought forth much change, one constant guided our way: ICJ’s commitment to cooperative action to promote child welfare and public safety. Our accomplishments and our continued success are direct results of the dedication and hard work of ICJ professionals across the United States. Thank you for your support of our collaborative work during FY17 and beyond.

Sincerely,

/s/ Traci Marchand, Chair
Chair, Interstate Commission for Juveniles