Youth Law News

A Different Kind of Racism

Implicit Bias pervades society, but legal standards reflect an outdated understanding of how racial discrimination operates

By Thera Naiman

In any campaign season, political enthusiasts look to the polls as a way to monitor candidates' success. When a candidate pulls ahead by a few percentage points, speculation abounds: could it be the economy ... a U.S. Supreme Court decision ... a new campaign ad? When President Obama's lead over Mitt Romney recently waned in Virginia, state Senator Louise Lucas had another explanation for the results: race.

Raising Red Flags: A Look at State Policies for Prescribing Psychotropic Meds for Foster Children

By Whitney Richey Rubenstein and Anna Johnson

As part of NCYL's PsychDrugs Action Campaign, we have asked current and former foster youth to talk about their experience with psychotropic medications while they were in foster care.

School-Based Mental Health Services for Immigrant and Refugee Children

By Ji Won Kim

When the mental health needs of young people go unaddressed, their performance in school can suffer. Addressing these needs is crucial to improving their academic performance and, as a consequence, their overall chances for success.

Trauma-Informed Care Emerging as Proven Treatment for Children, Adults with Behavioral, Mental Health Problems

By Ta Lynn Mitchell

Children who are physically or sexually abused, or who go through other trauma-inducing experiences, can develop mental health disorders and related problems.

Highlights of Our Work

Amended Complaint Filed in Suit Targeting Nevada's Foster Care System

Twelve current and former foster children in Las Vegas (Clark County), Nevada have filed an amended complaint in U.S. District Court highlighting major deficiencies in the county’s child welfare system. In the case of Henry A. v. Willden, plaintiffs once again seek reform as well as money damages from the state and the county.

Amicus Brief Highlights Obstacles Facing Pregnant Teens in Illinois

NCYL and other amici curiae submitted a brief to the Illinois Supreme Court in support of the plaintiffs in Hope Clinic for Women, Ltd. v. Adams. Plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU of Illinois, brought suit to challenge the constitutionality of an Illinois law requiring parental notification before a minor may obtain an abortion.

NCYL's Juvenile Justice Reform Work in Arkansas Intensifies

NCYL has been actively working to reform the juvenile justice system in Arkansas. NCYL has collaborated with government and community stakeholders, including judges, academics, youth services staff, and youth advocates, to reach consensus on a reform path.

CA Governor Signs Law Aimed at Improving Educational Prospects for Foster Youth

A new bill, AB 2060, that strengthens current California law on the appointment of educational representatives for foster youth was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Aug. 17 and will go into effect Jan. 1. The bill, supported by NCYL, was authored and introduced by Assemblymember Susan Bonilla and sponsored by Public Counsel's Children’s Rights Project.

Funding News

AT THE CENTER

Farewell to Deputy Director Patrick Gardner

NCYL bids a sad farewell to Deputy Director Patrick Gardner, who is leaving after 12 years to establish the Young Minds Advocacy Project.

Alumni News

Photo Gallery

NCYL is honored as Nonprofit of the Month!

NCYL in the News

BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS

Promise Unfulfilled: Juvenile Justice in America
Edited by Cathryn Crawford with Lorraine Boissoneault

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^{Unless otherwise noted, photographs that appear in Youth Law News were produced independently of articles and bear no relationship to cases or incidents discussed therein.}

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