Juvenile Justice

(February 2006)

Urszula Masny-Latos, issue editor, writes:

As we look ahead into the new year, we thought it a good time to focus on our kids, our future. So, we're kicking off 2006 with a Mass Dissent focused on juvenile justice.

First, Joshua Dohan from the Youth Advocacy Project writes about the youth development approach, a critical component of zealous advocacy for youth. As Josh argues, court-involved youth are still kids, and any representation of them must focus on their development as youth, so that they can become mature adults and end the cycle of court-involvement.

Lael Chester then writes about the problem of "disproportionate minority contact," or the over-representation of youth of color in the juvenile justice system. She demonstrates why this over-representation is so problematic and offers solutions to ending this serious problem.

Finally, Hillary Farber talks about legislative efforts to allow youth to expunge their juvenile records. A youth's juvenile record can seriously inhibit his or her access to wider opportunities as an adult. Fortunately, there is legislative movement to address this problem, and Hillary provides us with an analysis and contact information for who to call to express support.
Best wishes for 2006!

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