Reimagining Youth Justice Evaluation: A Community-Powered MEAL Approach

This Think Tank explores how evaluation practice transforms when power shifts to communities most impacted by juvenile justice systems. We invite participants to examine community-driven approaches to data capacity building among youth justice organizations. Drawing from Mirror Group's technical assistance work with Annie E. Casey Foundation grantees, we'll facilitate dialogue about reframing evaluation from accountability to community empowerment. Our innovative dual-track Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework builds organizational data capacity while centering lived experience. We will share our collaborative approach with organizations working to reduce youth court involvement. Rather than a traditional presentation, participants will engage in facilitated discussions exploring critical questions: How can evaluation practitioners authentically share power when technical expertise is unevenly distributed? What does centering lived experience mean in evaluation leadership for process and outcomes? How can data protocols build trust with historically marginalized communities? What metrics truly capture youth development and community transformation?
Click to fill survey.