New Institute Aims To Help Youths In Criminal Justice System

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The University at Albany has partnered with New York state to create the Youth Justice Institute, which is designed to improve outcomes for young people in the criminal justice system.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the institute will help at-risk youth have a better chance at success, and increase public safety in the process.

The institute will provide training to organizations developing youth justice programs and serve as an information resource for best practices in the field. It will also have a research component to inform youth justice policy.

The Democratic governor says research shows institutional confinement of teenagers without developmentally appropriate programs can lead to further delinquent skills and attitudes by youths.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]