DREAM BIG
ON JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM
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The time is now to improve our Juvenile Justice System. As legislators, we recognize the urgency of reforming the system to 1) better integrate our youth back into society; and 2) to emphasize community involvement when possible, rather than relying solely on incarceration and youth-treatment centers.
Our package will reflect comprehensive reform that addresses changes in the system, from the Courts and Community-based Service Providers to the Division of Youth Services (DYS). |
We will introduce legislation to implement:
- Changes in juvenile delinquency sentencing to require a pre-adjudication validated risk assessment (SAVRY) to identify whether a youth is at risk of reoffending. These changes would encourage diverting low-risk youth to community and family-based services.
- Collaboration with local courts and DYS to develop local family and youth services based on the needs of each judicial district; expanding diversion, FINS, family reunification, and aftercare services.
- Changes in DYS policies to require validated risk assessments for youth and families. Treatment plans should focus on individualized needs that minimize the length of stay in out-of-home placements while ensuring continued in-home services following release. Additionally, this legislation would downsize secure residential facilities; maximize funding for community-based and residential services; and identify and fund evidence-based programs. DYS will collaborate with the Courts and Community Providers to strengthen data collection, analysis, and decision-making.