Here are some excerpts from Juvenile Justive Youth Development Annual report:

In FY17 the Johnson County Board of Supervisors committed $292,500 in funding for positive youth development programs that prevent juvenile crime and delinquency and improve the well-being of children. Seven contracts were awarded to five agencies to support these efforts. In addition, Johnson County partnered with Goodwill Employment Services, United Action for Youth and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County to implement the Youth Empowered to Serve summer employment program.

Youth Development is defined by the Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development as the ongoing growth process in which all youth strive to: (1) meet the basic and personal and social needs to feel cared for and to be safe, valued, useful, and spiritually grounded, and (2) build character, skills and competencies that permit functioning and contribution in daily life. Youth development approaches focus and build on the strengths and assets of young people, rather than concentrating solely on the prevention or treatment of problems.

Over the last several years, this investment has had a positive impact, improving outcomes for youth and reducing the costs associated with juvenile delinquency.

From 2009 - 2015 juvenile delinquency complaints decreased 45% in Johnson County from 843 to 475. FY08 to FY17 the average daily population for Johnson County youth, at the Linn County Juvenile Detention, declined 44% from 6.35 youth per day to 3.58.

Johnson County Juvenile Justice Youth Development funding supports programs that promote positive youth engagement, offers support and provides personal enrichment opportunities for young people that may lead to an improved quality of life.