Resources: Juvenile Justice

Organizations

Campaign for Youth Justice

The Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ) is dedicated to ending the practice of trying, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under 18 in the adult criminal justice system.

Mission Statement: Through its work, the Project seeks to reorient the justice system away from a punitive approach toward a stronger emphasis on community-based prevention and alternatives to jail and prison.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization. OJJDP supports states and communities in their efforts to develop and implement effective and coordinated prevention and intervention programs and to improve the juvenile justice system so that it protects public safety, holds offenders accountable, and provides treatment and rehabilitative services tailored to the needs of juveniles and their families.

Publications

Know Your Rights

This booklet was written to educate young people like yourself who have been involved in the New York State juvenile or criminal justice system. It explains some of the challenges you might face when you look for a job and what you can do to lessen, or in some cases remove, some of those barriers. The booklet highlights some of New York’s laws that you should be aware of when looking or applying for a job, such as what type of employers can get your rap sheet, how to get and correct your rap sheet, what you must legally disclose about your criminal history on a job application or in an interview, and what type of criminal records can be sealed. Our hope is that the information inside will give you and those who work with you some of the tools you need to successfully enter and remain in the workforce.

Legislative Victories from 2005-2010 Removing Youth from the Adult Criminal Justice System

Published by Campaign for Youth Justice, this report discusses the consequences of trying juveniles as adults and the legislation in place to reform this system.

The Lives of Juvenile Lifers

Excerpt: Although it does not excuse their crimes, most people sent to prison for life as youth were failed by systems that are intended to protect children. Survey findings from 1,579 individuals around the country who are serving these sentences demonstrate high rates of socioeconomic disadvantage, extreme racial disparities in the imposition of these punishments, sentences frequently imposed without judicial discretion, and counterproductive corrections policies that thwart efforts at rehabilitation. [The Sentencing Project, Ashley Nellis, March 2012}

Youth in Confinement Fact Sheet

Published by the Correctional Association of New York, they report statistical data on youth justice and the need for alternatives to incarceration.

Juvenile Justice Reform

Mississippi Prison Operator Out; Facility called a ‘Cesspool’

NPR report by John Burnett

Excerpt: One month after a federal court ordered sweeping changes at a troubled juvenile prison in rural Mississippi, the private company managing the prison is out. A report by the Justice Department describes “systemic, egregious and dangerous practices” at the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility.

Should Juveniles Receive Life Sentences Without Parole?

Publication: News One

Date: March 18, 2012

Associated Press

Excerpt: On March 20, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether juveniles like Davis should receive life sentences without parole for murder. The cases in front of the court involve 14-year-olds from Alabama and Arkansas, but advocates hope that the court will rule in favor of the youths and extend its ruling to all who committed murder as a juvenile. Already, the court has ruled unconstitutional sentencing laws providing life terms for crimes other than murder and has outlawed the death penalty for juveniles.

Proposals in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2011-12 Executive Budget for Juvenile Justice

Click here to read a summary on juvenile justice reforms. For full details on the 2011-2012 Executive Budget, click here. Also, click here for a summary on the “Close to Home” Initiative from the Center for Community Alternatives.

Funds for Youth Justice

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundations are jointly providing $2 million to support innovative and effective reforms in treatment and services for youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.

Legislation

S405-2011: Requires the prosecution of juveniles, who are under the age of eighteen and who commit family offenses against his or her parent or legal guardian, under article VI

Sponsor: Senator Montgomery

As part of the 2005 New York State budget, the Legislature enacted
landmark legislation significantly expanding the requirements for
services to be provided to children and families as a means of
preventing unnecessary prosecutions and costly out-of-home placements
of Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) cases.

Multimedia

Nicholas Freudenburg: What works to keep young men from returning to jail?

Professor Freudenberg discusses REAL MEN (Returning Educated African-American and Latino Men to Enriched Neighborhoods), a reentry program using education, treatment, and a strengths-based approach designed to reduce drug use, risky sexual behavior, and criminal activity among 16–18-year-old males leaving New York City jails.