Reclaim Ohio: A Politically Viable Alternative to Treating Youthful Felony Offenders

Abstract

In recent decades, juvenile justice policy has become more conservative. The implementation of various “get tough” strategies has contributed to an increasing juvenile correctional population. Despite this nationwide trend, however, this movement is not completely dominant. This article examines the pilot phase of a new program, RECLAIM Ohio (or Reasoned and Equitable Community and Local Alternatives to the Incarceration of Minors), which seeks to reduce juvenile commitments to institutions and to increase the use of community-based alternatives. The results indicate some initial success in meeting these goals. The program's ability to address both liberal and conservative ideology may be the key to its long-term success.