California Bill to End Crippling Administrative Fees for Juveniles in the Justice System

According to Juvenile Law Center, a Philadelphia-based public interest law firm, justice-involved youth and their families face various types of monetary charges ranging from court expenses, fees for participating in diversion programs, and costs for probation supervision in all 50 states. When unable to pay these costs, a young person and their family are confronted with serious consequences such as extended probation, longer placement in detention facilities, prevented expungement, and debt. Last year, Juvenile Law Center released a national report claiming these financial penalties increase recidivism, hurt poor families, and exacerbate racial disparities.