NCJ Number
206607
Date Published
2004
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This chapter identifies and discusses some of the current issues and concerns facing today's juvenile court, with a focus on the juvenile court process in dealing with delinquent and child-welfare populations.
Abstract
The topics explored are the court's structure and intent, racial and ethnic disparities in the management of cases, and the more recent practices of specialized courts and therapeutic jurisprudence. Also included is an overview of what juvenile court leaders said at the 100th anniversary of the court. Regarding the juvenile court's structure and intent as an institution separate from the adult criminal court, many judges remain committed to the original ideal of the juvenile court as a vehicle for intervening with problem juveniles to correct delinquent behaviors and set them on a path to healthy development through the use of community and corrections resources tailored to the juvenile's needs. This must be done, however, within the parameters of uniform due process. Other experts are questioning whether the juvenile court is or can achieve these goals, particularly with chronic and serious juvenile offenders. The pressing concern about racial and ethnic disparities at all decision-points of the juvenile court process has been acknowledged. The challenge is to devise policies and practices that will reverse this trend. Specialized juvenile courts that focus on pervasive drug problems and mental health issues are being tested as a means of simultaneously addressing public safety and the treatment needs of juveniles. Teen courts that place juveniles in the roles of judge, jury, and attorney are not new, but they are increasing in popularity. Therapeutic jurisprudence is a way of focusing on particular problems of juveniles and concentrating the delivery of treatment resources and case management on those problems. Discussion questions, 6 notes, and 70 references