The number of young Americans in juvenile detention dropped by 77 percent over the last two decades, from more than 100,000 to just over 25,000, according to federal data published late last year. Despite this huge reduction due to changing laws and policies, experts say young people still face stubborn barriers that make it more difficult to successfully reenter society after their release from incarceration.
Advocates for child welfare reform rallied in the Capitol Monday to urge the legislature to establish a permanent child advocacy office that is not subject to the whim of a governor.
My name is Jared Cooper. I was arrested and thrown into the criminal justice system at 18 years old. Through fighting for my life and freedom, I was able to break the shackles that so effortlessly tried to hold me back. Now, my primary focus in life is health and wellness, and I currently do restorative work with a nonprofit organization, Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project (YSAP) and advocacy work as a member of Advocates for Youth Justice with Juvenile Law Center’s Youth Advocacy Program.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has reached a settlement agreement with the Clock Tower Schools, clearing the way for the entity to operate at the site of the former Glen Mills Schools.
Former students suing the Glen Mills Schools and local and state agencies over systemic abuse at the now-shuttered reform school have settled with the Chester County Intermediate Unit for $3 million.
Tristram Korten, Juvenile Justice Information Exchange •
In Wisconsin, two 15-year-olds whose foster parent caught them having consensual sex were charged with felony sexual assault and put on the sex offender registry for at least 15 years.
On Tuesday, November 15th Juvenile Law Center hosted a press conference outside of the Juvenile Justice Services Center located in West Philadelphia, along with coalition members from Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout Philly, Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project, Care, Not Control, the Philly Defenders, and the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project.
"The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Center is facing overcrowding. Some agencies are looking to send children out of the area and some even out of the state. NBC10’s Brian Sheehan shows us what youth justice advocates are saying about the issue."
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