NCJ Number
171488
Journal
Children's Voice Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1997) Pages: 24-25
Date Published
1997
Length
2 pages
Annotation
After identifying the legal parameters for juvenile curfew laws, this article outlines the key components of curfew programs that are effective.
Abstract
Courts have held that curfews are constitutional if they demonstrate there is a compelling state interest in establishing a curfew, and the means of achieving the law's objective are narrowly tailored. For example, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, upheld a youth curfew in Dallas because it passed the strict scrutiny test. Dallas presented statistical data to show a compelling state interest in reducing juvenile crime and victimization and then narrowly tailored the curfew law to address the specific problems enumerated by the data, using the least restrictive means possible. Rather than reactive, punitive responses to curfew violations, successful programs have emphasized proactive intervention before the level of delinquency escalates. Successful programs have created a curfew center or use recreation centers and churches to receive juveniles whom the police have picked up for violating curfew. Curfew centers are staffed with social service professionals and community volunteers, who offer intervention in the form of referrals to social service providers and counseling for juveniles and their families. The effective programs also have procedures for repeat offenders, including fines, counseling, or sentences to community service. Successful programs include recreation and job programs as well.