Across the nation, incidents involving youth crime underscore the importance of ensuring communities have the best information, tools, and resources to ensure public safety without abandoning decades of progress in juvenile justice reforms. A new report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics on Crimes Involving Juveniles, 1993-2022 shows fluctuations in the incidence and patterns of youth crime over time. While upticks in certain offense categories demand action and justice, it is crucial to view them within a broader context.
Over the past three decades, youth arrests for violent crimes have come down, and the number of youth in residential placement has also dropped significantly. Greater numbers of young people are being diverted from the justice system and provided with community-based resources and treatment that have been shown to be more effective at reducing reoffending and improving outcomes. In addition, more and more policymakers and practitioners are adopting evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches that are rooted in the science of adolescent development.
Extensive research has illuminated the developmental vulnerabilities of young minds, highlighting the propensity for youth to engage in impulsive and risky behavior. Studies also indicate that most young people outgrow delinquent behavior over time. This emphasizes the importance of intervention and support rather than punitive measures. We need to double down on what works with young people, focusing on an evidence-based approach rooted in research and community collaboration.
Youth Violence is Preventable
By addressing both risk factors and protective factors that influence a young person's likelihood of engaging in violence, communities can create environments that promote positive development and reinforce law-abiding behavior.
Two key factors that promote positive behaviors are support and opportunity. It is imperative that we strengthen the network of support for youth, both for those who engage in delinquent or criminal behavior and those whose circumstances put them at risk. And then we must provide opportunities for them to grow and succeed. We need to connect youth to caring adults and prosocial activities, such as mentoring and after-school programs, and strengthen their connection to school. The goal is to create protective environments that reduce youth exposure to community-level risks and create pathways to a brighter future.
Continuum of Care for Youth and Communities
The Continuum of Care for Youth and Communities framework—based on established models in the healthcare and social services fields—provides a range of services that reflect the science of adolescent development and are designed to meet the needs of at-risk youth. It establishes a holistic approach spanning prevention, intervention, treatment, and reentry strategies, rather than traditionally siloed view of youth justice services.
This new OJJDP framework and funding investment aims to prevent youth from entering or deepening their involvement in the juvenile justice system. It provides effective interventions tailored to the needs of youth and designed to steer them away from further juvenile justice system involvement. The continuum of care approach advances public safety by utilizing evidence-informed community-based interventions. These interventions have been shown to reduce youth offending and improve positive youth outcomes, while keeping young people out of the deep end of the juvenile justice system.
At its core, the continuum of care approach is community-driven, leveraging local insights and resources to address emerging issues effectively. By prioritizing community safety and well-being, this framework ensures that interventions are not only cost-effective, both in the short- and long-term, but also rooted in the values and priorities of the communities they serve.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Nearly 50 years ago, the landmark Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was passed, setting federal standards for the safety and fair treatment of youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. This milestone provides the opportunity to reflect on our past and look ahead to the future. We must continue to innovate if we are to meet contemporary challenges.
Treat kids as kids—that's our mantra. It is an opportunity for us to help youth repair the harm they caused, heal from trauma, and move forward in a positive direction. We should never ignore or dismiss delinquent behavior by young people, but we should address it with effective, evidence-based and promising interventions. Accountability is needed, as is compassion, support and access to services.
We must support the wellbeing of America's youth and broaden their opportunities for a better future. I believe that through our investments we can form a strong foundation for our nation's youth. For young people who are already in the juvenile justice system, we aim to provide them with the support they need to lead productive and law-abiding lives, so they can reintegrate into society as the valuable members we know they can be.
Liz Ryan became Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention on May 16, 2022, following appointment by President Joseph R. Biden.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
