Recent news

The United States Supreme Court ruled today in Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs that states may no longer impose mandatory life without parole sentences on juveniles under the age of 18 convicted of homicide crimes. Writing for the 5-4 majority, Justice Elena Kagan said, “Such a scheme prevents those meting out punishment from considering a juvenile’s ‘lessened culpability’ and greater ‘capacity for change.’” (Read the Court's opinion here.)

Youth in foster care living in a group home have the right to attend their local public school and must be treated in the same manner as children who reside with their parents. The proposed settlement will result in additional educational resources and services for students who were impacted by the District's policies. The classroom was closed in December 2010 and the final settlement will be discussed at a public hearing on August 23, 2012. 

Pennsylvania can provide stronger support to older foster youth, encourage adoption and save money by implementing common-sense changes to its foster care policies, according to a new report issued by Juvenile Law Center and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court takes action to require that juveniles have legal representation in juvenile delinquency proceedings

A partial settlement for over $17 million has been reached in the Luzerne County juvenile-court civil litigation

Nationwide group of experts names Juvenile Law Center one of the best nonprofits in the criminal justice sector

11 years old at time of arrest, Jordan would have been youngest in country to face life in prison

Board Member Barry Zubrow and wife, Jan, to match donations up to $50,000 this month

Ex-judge Mark Ciavarella sentenced to 28 years in prison