Sarah Alice Brown, Group director criminal justice program The new vision for juvenile justice, children Advocate’s roundtable: Feb. 7, 2019 Sarah Alice Brown, Group director criminal justice program

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Bipartisan - membership all 50 state legislatures Denver Policy Headquarters and also have DC Office Criminal Justice Program Mission Statement: Improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures Promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures Ensure state legislatures a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system

Historical Background Current Policies Juvenile Justice Reform Today and tomorrow: A Bipartisan, cross-branch issue Historical Background Current Policies Distinguishing juvenile from adult offenders Priorities: align fiscal responsibility, community safety and positive outcomes for youth Factors

Recent JJ Legislative Trends Comprehensive Omnibus Reforms Reestablishing Boundaries Between the Adult and Juvenile Systems Due Process and Defense Reform Prevention, Intervention and Diversion Treating Mental Health Needs Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities Reentry and Aftercare

JJDPA reauthorization (HR 6964) First updated since 2002: 5-year reauthorization Strong bipartisan support Updates core protections and adds new requirements Increases funding/accountability States receive a formula grant for complying **Wyoming, Connecticut and Nebraska are the only states that do not participate in JJDPA.

Changes to state Plans Must now be posted on publicly available website Reports to the Governor are now required every other year Explanation of evidence-based or promising practices Explain how it takes into account adolescent brain science ID how to reduce number of incarcerated youth, engage family members, and stop use of restraints on known pregnant youth

Impact on States Incentive to further improve JJ systems More screening of kids for human trafficking, mental health or drug or alcohol abuse Phase out of shackling of pregnant girls Support continuing education for detainees Provides steps towards ending racial and ethnic disparities Gives guidance on what reentry planning for juvenile offenders should look like Youth charged as adults now have to be out of adult jails

Looking ahead… Responding to JJDPA – state legislation New direction Continued juvenile justice reform momentum 2019: 406 bills already introduced in 34 states

The new vision for juvenile justice Resources and Contact for More Information www.ncsl.org and sarah.brown@ncsl.org Juvenile Justice Bill Tracking Database Thank you! The new vision for juvenile justice February 7, 2019