: Photo: Marlene Desautels

Juvenile Justice

NCYL works to ensure that youth in trouble with the law are treated appropriately for their age and capacity to change. NCYL promotes reforms that keep youth from entering the juvenile justice system and helps create community-based treatment programs.

Arkansas Youth Justice: The Architecture of Reform

Arkansas leaders, like their counterparts in other states, have embarked on a plan to transform the state’s juvenile justice system. This report describes the work that has been done to build reform over the past four years under the steady and skilled stewardship of Ron Angel, Director of the Division of Youth Services (DYS). It also suggests additional changes in policy and practices that might further "revolutionize" youth services.

NCYL Challenges Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences in Two US Supreme Court Cases

NCYL joined 89 other advocacy groups and individuals as amicus curiae in Jackson v. Hobbs and Miller v. Alabama. The two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court challenge the constitutionality of imposing life without parole sentences on juveniles convicted of homicide offenses.

NCYL Asks NJ Supreme Court to Reconsider Practice of Trying Juveniles as Adults

In January, NCYL joined as amicus curiae urging the New Jersey Supreme Court to reconsider the state’s practice of prosecuting juveniles in adult criminal court.

CA SB 9 Gives 'Second Chance' to Youth Sentenced to Life Without Parole

California SB 9, co-sponsored by NCYL, has already won approval of the Senate and has cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It will go to the full Assembly for a vote in September! Read the latest coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle:

Bill would let some inmates appeal lifetime terms

Juvenile sentence bill headed to the Assembly floor

NCYL Issues New Report on Mental Health Needs of Incarcerated Youth in Texas

The National Center for Youth Law, Disability Rights Texas, and Texas Appleseed have issued a new report: Thinking Outside the Cell: Alternatives to Incarceration for Youth with Mental Health Needs.

New Report

Improving Outcomes for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

A Review of Alameda County's Collaborative Mental Health Court

Youth spend less time in detention and are less likely to get in trouble with the law after participating in Alameda county's juvenile mental health court. In this report, NCYL describes the workings of the Alameda County Juvenile Collaborative Court, its participants, and the results the court has seen since being established in 2007.

New Report:

"A Call to Stop Child Prosecution"

Gender and Juvenile Justice: New Courts, Programs Address Needs of Girls

Juvenile justice systems around California are awakening to the needs of a new population: girls. As girls enter the delinquency system in ever-increasing numbers, several California counties have established new delinquency courts and treatment programs tailored specifically to girls and their unique issues and needs.

NCYL Examines Wyoming's Practice of Prosecuting Children as Adults

Unlike any other state in the nation, Wyoming commonly prosecutes children as adults, often imposing adult sentences for normal adolescent misbehavior. The majority of children in trouble with the law in Wyoming are being processed through adult courts, where they become saddled with adult criminal convictions. Children as young as 8 are being criminally prosecuted for such minor offenses as stealing a pack of gum or skateboarding in a restricted area.

NCYL is working with Wyoming advocates, government officials, and others to reform the state's juvenile justice system.

» Read more about NCYL's work in Wyoming.
» Download the Report (PDF).

NCYL Calls on Justice Dept to Investigate Dangers, Deficiencies in Texas Youth Facilities

NCYL has joined other advocates in calling for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into reports of violence, improper use of restraints, and program deficiencies in 10 secure lockdown facilities operated by the Texas Youth Commission.
» Read more about NCYL's work in Texas

July 11, 2011
Just four years ago, the Texas juvenile justice system was awash in allegations of brutality, neglect and sexual abuse by staff members. Thanks to leadership by Gov. Rick Perry and thoughtful, decisive action by the Legislature, a state juvenile justice system that was in chaos a few years ago is making impressive strides.
Texas's Progress on Juvenile Justice

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NCYL ADVOCATES IN JUVENILE JUSTICE

: Photo: Marilyn Nolt

: Photo: Marlene Desautels