Journey.do

Project Overview  

Creating, Implementing, and Evaluating the Journey.do platform for justice-involved youth

Youth are growing up in an increasingly digital world where they use technology to both learn new skills and connect with each other. Journey.do is a platform created by Sasha Barab and Anna Arici of the ASU School of Future Innovation. In this project, we are working together to help youth in detention and on probation make positive changes in their lives, take ownership of their own growth, and connect with each other surrounding their positive growth. At the same time, the trauma-informed platform gives their supervising officers the tools they need to support the youth. We are working closely with the Juvenile Probation Departments in Maricopa and Pinal Counties.

Journey.do is a connected growth platform that allows participants to grow within a community of individuals going through similar processes. Not only do they complete modules targeting their specific needs, but they also read about other’s experiences completing the modules, and are able to share their own stories. This platform brings evidence-based research to youth in detention and on probation, helping them make and share positive changes in their own lives.

 The goal is to promote a positive change culture within juvenile justice organizations by targeting eight main domains: improving dynamic criminogenic needs, cultivating agency and voice, building trust in the system, guiding positive youth development, promoting restorative justice, encouraging strength-based feedback, and facilitating a pro-social orientation. By addressing these evidence-based domains, Journey.do can create a lasting change in the lives of the participants, as well as the culture of involved organizations.

The Youth Justice Lab's Role

The Youth Justice Lab is working closely with the ASU School of Future Innovation to lend expertise in the challenges facing justice-involved youth, as well as officers within juvenile probation and community corrections.  First, students get trained in trauma-informed care, strengths-based feedback, and positive youth development.  Then, they review youths' stories, providing them constructive feedback to help the youth grow in ways the youth find meaningful. 

Bring it to your jurisdiction! 

Currently, we are working with the Juvenile Probation Departments in Maricopa and Pinal County. If you are interested in implementing the program in your jurisdiction, please email Professor Fine or Sasha Barab.