On September 6 the Council of State Governments (CSG) released a video of the July 30, 2013 briefing “States’ Innovations in Juvenile Justice: Investing in Better Outcomes for Our Communities.”
The briefing, hosted by Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT), included “significant” reforms made by states and on a national level. The following states were recognized by CSG for implementing effective policy reform:
Connecticut: Mike Lawlor, the Under Secretary for Criminal Justice Policy and Planning in Connecticut, described legislation that greatly reduced the number of youth confined in juvenile justice facilities, developed new community-based supervision and treatment programs, and raised the age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 16 to 18.
Texas: Texas State Senator John Whitmire detailed the passing of a new law prohibiting the use of confinement for youth adjudicated for misdemeanor offenses. He also discussed a new incentive program for counties to place youth in local evidence-based programs, rather than in state-operated correctional facilities. Texas also redirected $57.8 million that would have been used to house juveniles for misdemeanors in secure facilities to community-based programs.
Ohio: The Honorable Linda Teodosio from the Summit County Juvenile Court in Ohio explained how the RECLAIM Ohio (Reasoned and Equitable Community and Local Alternatives to the Incarceration of Minors) funding initiative has expanded dispositional options for youth and community-based alternatives while creating financial incentives for counties to keep youth out of confinement. In FY 2012, these county subsidies for juvenile justice programs totaled approximately $47.3 million, serving 600 programs and 110,000 youth across Ohio.
National : Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Robert Listenbee described the federal government’s role in juvenile justice reform, including the recent publication of the latest research and tools for implementing evidence-based and developmentally appropriate policies and practices to guide state juvenile justice systems.
The briefing also discussed school policies that can criminalize a young person, and provided examples on how states are working to keep youths in school and minimize confinement in juvenile justice system.
To view the video of “States’ Innovations in Juvenile Justice: Investing in Better Outcomes for Our Communities” please click on the link below.
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