Communities across the Nation are working in a collaborative and comprehensive way to address juvenile crime. To provide appropriate interventions, however, they need information about the youth in their communities, their families, and the problems they face. Multidisciplinary collaboration and information sharing are crucial elements of success in helping at-risk and delinquent juveniles.

This Bulletin, one of OJJDP's JAIBG Best Practices series, describes key elements of effective information sharing, provides a model interagency agreement, and highlights examples of best practices for partners working to integrate juvenile justice services and develop informed, appropriate decisions regarding youth.

Attaining interagency collaboration and setting parameters for information sharing is challenging, but success in these areas can help ensure that juveniles receive the support they need.

John J. Wilson
Acting Administrator