JSG Services

Needs Assessment Studies

Justice Solutions Group (JSG) conducts needs assessments that range from narrow studies to evaluate a particular program or the bedspace needs of a facility, to broad studies to evaluate facility and program needs within justice systems or geographical regions. These studies are conducted through the collection and analysis of empirical data, as well as through interactive exercises in which anecdotal information is gathered from owners, facility residents and other stakeholders in the project. Through studies involving population profiles and projections, staffing analyses, alternatives to detention and incarceration, and program analysis, JSG works with clients to evaluate their facility, operations, programs or overall system needs and to develop action plans to meet short, medium and long-term goals and objectives.

Master Planning

In developing a Master Plan, JSG conducts intensive interactive workshops with the client planning team to (1) develop a vision, philosophy and mission for the new facility; (2) define the facility functional requirements including users, hours of use and communication and security requirements; (3) define facility space requirements including numbers and types of spaces, architectural and engineering characteristics, and special relationships; and (4) develop concept-driven capital and operating cost estimates for the proposed project. Our role is to assist the client in this endeavor by working with the project team to create a thoughtful, comprehensive plan that defines facility objectives and requirements, develops an appropriate response, and documents the related costs.

Educational Workshops and Training Programs

As experts in the field of justice facility planning, design and programming, we have developed and delivered nationally recognized educational workshops and training programs to representatives of over 50 states, counties and Native American tribes from throughout the nation. These include two week-long curricula developed for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and delivered through the National Institute for Corrections (NIC) Academy in Longmont, CO: Planning of New Institutions (PONI) for Juvenile Facilities Workshop, which we have participated in delivering successfully since 1998, and the Juvenile Facility Transition and Activation Planning Workshop, which we developed and delivered for the first time in 2002.

Owner's Rep Services

Acting directly for the client as an owner's representative JSG provides technical assistance services in the planning, programming, design, construction and transition and activation phases of projects. In this capacity, we represent the owner's interests and serve as their project manager/project coordinator in working with architects, engineers, contractors and other consultants. The purpose of these services is to assure project quality; informed decision-making; and compliance with budgets and schedules.

Research and Evaluation

JSG has a strong background in conducting research and data analysis in areas related to youth, juvenile crime, juvenile justice, child development, children's environments and education. By using a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and by reviewing existing data and research findings, JSG helps to inform client decisions by providing empirical data on best practices, and effective management techniques and programs. The results are presented not only as reports but also in the form of engaging presentations.

Transition and Activation Planning

The transition planning process encompasses all of the tasks that must be undertaken prior to the opening of a new facility. These may include developing resident programming, determining staffing needs, training personnel, and preparing scenarios, post orders and policies and procedures. JSG introduces team members to operational, programmatic and organizational concepts and processes that may be used in the transition and activation process to help ensure that the new facility functions as designed and in a manner that meets its mandates and mission. We work closely with jurisdictions to develop or assist in the development of operating procedures and all of the written materials that support those procedures.

Development of Written Materials

Well designed new facilities can cue new behaviors that reflect the philosophy and vision of the owner. But developing a culture that buys into operating in a new way requires a careful review of policies and procedures, post orders, training materials and training programs. We work in conjunction with the client to develop operational scenarios, post orders and new or modified policies and procedures for new or existing facilities. We then work closely with the client to develop, finalize and implement staff training materials and programs to ensure that staff understand and properly implement new operational policies and procedures.

Post Occupancy Evaluations

JSG staff has extensive experience in conducting post-occupancy evaluations of programs and facilities. Using a range of participatory methods such as surveys, participant observations, focus groups, interactive workshops and in-depth interviews, JSG helps the client to identify the weaknesses and strengths in their operations and find ways to improve them.

Land Use Planning

Owners must be sensitive to many factors in siting new juvenile detention or correctional facilities. This is critical both to meet legal requirements and to maintain positive relations with the communities in which new facilities will operate. Depending on the jurisdiction, land use clearance may be an informal process of obtaining public approval or a formal process of submitting data and justifications for review and approval. JSG is experienced in working with owners to complete both processes. In this capacity we conduct demographic studies on population distribution, study the nature and density of similar facilities proximate to proposed sites, meeting with State and County officials and attending public hearings in working with jurisdictions to obtain clearance for a proposed site.