Put Data to Work for You
PbS is a data-driven continuous improvement process for juvenile justice facilities, community residential programs and reentry services to improve conditions and quality of life in our nation’s juvenile facilities. We offer research-based standards and performance measures that focus on:
Making Facilities Safe
Public safety and the safety of the youths, staff and visitors is the primary responsibility of confinement facilities. PbS standards and performance data focus on management practices that promote safety and wellbeing and minimize the risks of harm.
Monitoring Program Effectiveness
The challenge for youth facility leaders is to provide programming and services that both keep youths engaged and out of trouble and puts them on the path to becoming productive, purposeful citizens. PbS standards and performance measures focus on education and employment opportunities, health and behavioral health services and building life skills and competencies.
Achieving Positive Outcomes
Time in custody can and should be a catchment opportunity to help youths prepare to return to living with their families and community. PbS standards and performance measures focus on what research has shown are the most likely outcomes to prevent reoffending and give youths a meaningful second chance when they leave.
See it in action
Success Stories
Watch to see how facilities nationwide use PbS to measure and drive continuous improvement in their operations each day.
It is truly amazing the culture change that PbS has fostered at our facility. As you know, PbS is a big endeavor but oh my is it ever worth it!
Blog
Get the latest news and more

Second Round of 2020 PbS Reentry Award Winners
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 unpre ...

PbS 25th Anniversary Spotlight: Honoring Ned Loughran
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, effec ...

Additional Funds Available for the 2020 PbS Reentry Award
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.

PbS Announces 2020 Youth Art Contest Winner
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 winn ...