Juvenile Justice Reform: A Blueprint

• NCJ Number: 241480
• Author(s): Julie Peterson
• Date Published: 2012
• Length: 19 pages
• Corporate Author: Youth Transition Funders Group
• Sale Source: Youth Transition Funders Group
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model); Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This third edition of "Juvenile Justice Reform: a Blueprint" updates and expands tenets for improving outcomes for youth managed by a juvenile justice system.

Abstract

An overview of the current issues confronting juvenile justice systems addresses the characteristics of incarcerated youth, gender and sexual orientation, racial and ethnic inequity, the overlap between child welfare and juvenile justice in managing juvenile problem behavior, the school to prison pipeline, the expense and ineffectiveness of incarceration, and unsafe conditions of confinement. In the effort to develop a "blueprint" for juvenile justice reform, this report first focuses on research whose findings should govern the reform. The research reviewed pertains to new adolescent brain research, scientific evidence on what works, and well-documented models of systemic reform. Also discussed are the role of philanthropic organizations in the funding of juvenile justice reform as well as financial incentives and fiscal realignment. The 10 tenets of a "blueprint" for reform are then presented and discussed. They involve diversion of youth from the justice system; reduction in institutionalization; elimination of racial and ethnic disparity; access to quality counsel; creation of a range of effective community-based programs; services to youth with special needs; building of small rehabilitative facilities; improvement in aftercare and reentry; engagement of youth, family, and community; and keeping youth out of adult courts, jail, and prisons. The report concludes with a statement of advocacy for the involvement in reform of philanthropists working across fields of justice, education, foster care, human services, workforce development, public health, racial justice, and human rights. Through the Youth Transition Funders Group (YTFG) Juvenile Justice Work Group, grant makers in all fields that affect disconnected youth can support policies, programs, and advocacy at Federal, State, and local levels. 69 notes and an extensive list of philanthropic organizations funding efforts to improve the lives of youth