Following a regional selection process, four institutions from Bolivia, Honduras, Mexico, and Uruguay have begun their implementation journey with technical support from Juvenile Justice Advocates International (JJAI), using the Alternatives to Detention Toolkit.
This marks an important step toward a shared goal across juvenile justice systems in Latin America:
For years, governments, organizations, and experts have agreed on the need to expand the use of alternatives to detention. However, turning that commitment into concrete change requires more than institutional will. It requires practical tools, specialized training, technical assistance, and opportunities to exchange experiences with others facing similar challenges.
That is why JJAI created the Latin American Network of Alternative-to-Detention Implementers, an initiative designed to support institutions that are ready to move from theory to implementation.
Participating Institutions
INISA – Uruguay
The National Institute for Adolescent Social Inclusion (INISA) is responsible for implementing socio-educational measures for adolescents in conflict with the law, promoting social, educational, and community inclusion.
Vice Ministry of Equal Opportunities, Decolonization and Depatriarchalization – Bolivia
A government entity that advances public policies grounded in human rights, promoting restorative justice and comprehensive protection for youth.
INAMI – Honduras
The National Institute for the Attention of Youth Offenders is responsible for the care, rehabilitation, social reintegration, and supervision of alternatives to detention for youth in conflict with the law.
INSADE – Mexico
A nonprofit organization working with youth to reintegrate them back into their communities. They have developed innovative models to create opportunities for young people who have been in conflict with the law.
What Happens Next?
Over the coming months, participating institutions will work alongside the JJAI team to fully implement JJAI’s models, identify opportunities for improvement, adapt tools to their local contexts, and strengthen institutional capacity.
This process includes:
- Specialized technical assistance
- Tailored institutional assessments
- Advanced training
- Practical implementation tools
- Ongoing support throughout the change process
Building a Regional Learning Community
The Network not only strengthens the work of each participating institution but also creates opportunities for countries to exchange experiences, lessons learned, and common challenges as they work toward more effective juvenile justice systems.
As implementation moves forward, we look forward to sharing the progress, results, and lessons emerging from this regional effort.
