NCJ Number
239358
Date Published
June 2012
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report from the National Council of State Legislatures presents information on trends in juvenile justice State legislation enacted from 2001 through 2011.
Abstract
The report examines the changes in State juvenile justice policies and approaches to juvenile crime and delinquency that occurred during the period 2001 through 2011. As a result of better information provided through research, policymakers at the State level have a better understanding of the causes of juvenile crime and can be done to prevent it. This report discusses the changes in the following areas of juvenile justice legislation: distinguishing between juvenile offenders and adult offenders; due process and procedural issues; prevention and intervention; treating mental health needs of juvenile offenders; disproportionate minority contact; detention and corrections reform; and reentry and aftercare. The information in each of these sections includes a listing of States that have made changes to their juvenile justice policies and procedures. Policies that have been changed in recent years include raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction, reforming transfer and direct file laws, addressing the issue of competency in juvenile delinquency statutes, providing defense for indigent offenders, the use of diversion and community-based alternatives to detention, and providing proper screening and assessment of juvenile offenders with mental health issues. Appendix