Blog

From starting out as a juvenile probation officer to running the Ferris School, showing up daily and making hard decisions is what Tanya does every day to get the best outcomes for the youths in her care.

This PbS Data Snapshot was written by Kim Godfrey Lovett, PbS Executive Director and includes data collected by PbS participating facilities during 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Data points discussed in this brief include use of restraints in facilities and youth perceptions on their relationships with staff.

We’re excited to announce that the PbS Education and Employment Foundation 2021 Scholarship Award is now open! PbS invites all staff and youths from PbS-participating facilities and programs to apply.

This year the Annie E. Casey Foundation has generously donated $10,000 to go towards scholarships. The awards of $1,000 or $2,000 will be given to help offset the costs of university degrees or college credits and support efforts to further post-secondary education. So far the Scholarship Awards have helped 15 individuals earn bachelor or master’s degrees, or college credits.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the annual Kids Got Talent Contest is now open! This contest is such a joy for our staff and every year, we are impressed with not only the talented youths but the staff that supports their creative abilities. Since 2015, we have seen an incredible array of talents from comedy skits to feats of athleticism to musical perf ...

Following the success of our virtual fundraiser “Creating Real Second Chances,” Performance-based Standards (PbS) was pleased to offer a second round of the 2020 PbS Reentry Award to youths in PbS participating facilities. During this unprecedented holiday season, youths headed home for the holiday season were eligible to receive additional support to ease the transition from j ...

Edward J. “Ned” Loughran was known across the country as a leader dedicated to reforming the juvenile justice system. He continuously fought to keep juvenile agencies and leaders focused on rehabilitation and providing individualized, effective services that give youths the skills and abilities they need to be successful. His passing in October 2016 left a big hole in our natio ...

Thanks to the generosity of donors and the success of our virtual fundraiser “Creating Real Second Chances”, Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the availability of additional funds to helps youths return to their homes and communities. The application for a second round of the 2020 PbS Reentry Award has opened.

Performance-based Standards (PbS) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 PbS Youth Art Contest. In honor of PbS’ 25th anniversary, youths were asked to share their thoughts on success with art and a short companion essay and the winner was selected based on how well the piece reflected the theme of success. PbS received 48 entries from 44 artists across the country. Ple ...

In addition to COVID-19 challenges youths are facing hardships that were revealed on this panel. On Oct. 27, PbS hosted a panel of people with experience in re-entry from a juvenile facility to the community. “Creating Real Second Chances,” was a tremendous success. A special thanks to our panel of youths who received financial support from the PbS Education and Employment Foundation and a family member with experience supporting her child’s reentry. They were able to share their stories, highlighting the importance of the PbS Reentry Award, an award that assists youths financially so they do not have to go without necessities.

Young people leaving juvenile justice facilities need help now more than ever when returning to their families and communities. In light of Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) PbS Education and Employment Foundation is taking action by hosting our first live virtual fundraiser, “Creating Real Second Chances,” on Oct. 27, 3-3:45pm.