1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. The new vision for juvenile justice
Resources and Contact for More Information
and
Juvenile Justice Bill Tracking Database
Thank you!
The new vision for juvenile justice
February 7, 2019