Reducing Room Confinement in Douglas County Youth Center

Omni evaluated a multi-year initiative at the Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) aimed at reducing the use of room confinement for youth, funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The initiative emerged in response to statewide efforts in Nebraska to limit isolation practices and promote rehabilitative approaches in juvenile detention. Launched in 2020, the project focused on updating policies, training staff, and aligning the facility’s mission and vision with youth development goals. While originally planned for three years, the grant period was extended due to population increases and delays in transitioning to a new facility, which temporarily disrupted implementation.

The initiative emphasized data-driven strategies and cultural change within the facility. Omni worked with DCYC leadership to conduct readiness assessments, staff and youth surveys, and focus groups to identify needs and opportunities for change. Training programs included trauma-informed approaches like Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET), equipping staff with alternative methods for managing behavior without isolation. DCYC also adopted a new mission, vision, and values framework focused on equity, respect, and youth empowerment.

Key outcomes and lessons learned include:

• Adoption of a rehabilitative mission and values emphasizing safety, respect, and empowerment
• Staff training in trauma-informed communication and behavior management techniques
• Development and use of data systems to monitor room confinement practices and guide decision-making
• Identification of systemic barriers, such as staffing challenges and space limitations, that affect implementation
• Recommendations for sustaining momentum, including continued leadership engagement and capacity building

The DCYC project illustrates how thoughtful alignment of vision, training, and data practices can lead to safer, more supportive environments for youth in detention.