CJCA launched the PbS Learning Institute (PbS Li) to address the needs of juvenile justice facilities and programs and the public. The goals are:
To increase accountability through the use of data in the system, which enhances ability to track improvement and identify issues. Historically there is a lack of data to support current practices and policies;
To improve understanding of best practices and methods that, when fully employed, can significantly improve conditions of confinement in the juvenile justice system;
- To provide a reasonably-priced solution across the country that allows for uniform data collection, analysis and use in all jurisdictions;
- To support the notion that the juvenile justice system is well able to help youths in confinement.
PbS Li was formed in February 2004 to promote, support, assess and monitor the processes of continuous improvement at juvenile justice facilities that will lead to safer conditions and increased services for youths. The PbS Li will serve as the forum for enhancing integration and understanding of the Performance-based Standards (PbS) improvement management system at correction and detention facilities nationwide. PbS Li addresses the problem of federal funding to increase the number of participating facilities as well as the lack of funding beyond the current federal initiative. The PbS Li was launched to ensure PbS continues beyond federal funding.