Tech to Reform

It is very difficult to improve the juvenile justice system if we do not have the resources to understand how it is currently performing. Current lack of usable data collection tools and quality data, constrained budgets, and low incentives for transparency leave many of our society’s most vulnerable youth exposed to widely variable implementations of justice.  

The Tech to Reform Collective aims to help by 1) Reducing the cost of entry into data-informed performance management; 2) Creating uniform technology solutions that allow for economies of scale to develop amongst collaborative partners; 3) Establishing a shared vocabulary and data practice around juvenile justice metrics; and 4) Establishing a community of practice for stakeholders to share what works.

This project was born out of a multi-year partnership between Independent Variable and the District Attorney’s Office of Philadelphia to scope, build, and implement low-cost technology solutions for juvenile justice reform efforts. in recent years, the project has spread to multiple states and produced findings and reforms that have garnered substantial media attention. It is our hope that in the future, this effort will establish a network of resources, partners, and best practices that leads to fairer and more equitable justice systems experienced by young people and communities throughout the country.