Illinois House weighs bill to allow young adult misdemeanor cases to be heard in juvenile court

Illinois House weighs bill to allow young adult misdemeanor cases to be heard in juvenile court

Mike Langenright
Juvenile Justice News, National News

ROCKFORD — Young adults charged with misdemeanor crimes could have their cases transferred to juvenile court under legislation being considered by the Illinois House.

A bill co-sponsored by state Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, would give judges the authority to decide whether 18-, 19- and 20-year-old defendants should have their misdemeanor cases heard in juvenile court.

Schools resolve conflicts by getting kids to talk things out

Schools resolve conflicts by getting kids to talk things out

Mike Langenright
Ideas and Opinions, Viewing Recommendations

Schools across the country are moving away from an era of zero-tolerance policies and shifting toward methods that involve restorative justice, encouraging students to resolve their differences by talking to each other rather than resorting to violence. In New York City, five schools that have implemented this system are already seeing results. NewsHour Weekend's Megan Thompson reports.

Transforming Juvenile Justice Systems to Improve Public Safety and Youth Outcomes

Transforming Juvenile Justice Systems to Improve Public Safety and Youth Outcomes

Mike Langenright
Reading Recommendations, Research Topics

Juvenile justice systems have undoubtedly made extraordinary improvements over the past two decades—incarceration rates have been cut in half nationwide; juvenile arrest rates remain at historical lows; and, in alignment with what research shows works to improve outcomes for youth, the majority of states have adopted data-driven tools and evidence-based programming. But other measures tell a more complex story: in spite of recent gains, most juvenile justice systems are still not operating as effectively as possible.

The Edge of 17: For Ahkeem Is a Coming-of-Age Story in the Age of Ferguson

The Edge of 17: For Ahkeem Is a Coming-of-Age Story in the Age of Ferguson

Mike Langenright
Viewing Recommendations

For Ahkeem began as an exploration of St. Louis’ Innovative Concept Academy, whose website states that it is “the only school in America overseen by a court system dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of delinquent teens.” Founded in 2009 by St. Louis Circuit Judge Jimmie M. Edwards, the school provides a second chance to students vulnerable to the school-to-prison pipeline, providing structure and a sympathetic staff to hopefully guide them to graduation.

Massachusetts Pols Like German Justice Approach To Young Adults

Massachusetts Pols Like German Justice Approach To Young Adults

Mike Langenright
Ideas and Opinions

BOSTON — The day after state lawmakers unveiled a compromise criminal justice bill in late March, the architects of that reform package joined Massachusetts court and corrections officials for a trip to Germany to study youth prisons there.

Last week, trip participants gathered to reflect on their experiences — including observing a trial and touring prisons — and what lessons Germany might have for criminal justice policy here.

The rise of restorative justice in California schools brings promise, controversy

The rise of restorative justice in California schools brings promise, controversy

Mike Langenright
Ideas and Opinions, National News, Education

Teachers and administrators have come to realize that a student’s range of experiences — their home life, their neighborhood and the overall atmosphere of the school — has an outsized impact on their behavior in class. Research shows that by gaining insight into these experiences and building stronger relationships with students, educators can address a number of behaviors without having to resort to suspensions and other punitive methods of discipline.

Transforming Juvenile Probation

Transforming Juvenile Probation

Mike Langenright
Juvenile Justice News, Reading Recommendations, Research Topics

The Annie E. Casey Foundation presents its vision for transforming juvenile probation into a focused intervention that promotes personal growth, positive behavior change and long-term success for youth who pose significant risks for serious offending. Nearly a half-million young people are given some form of probation annually and it serves as a critical gatekeeper to determine whether young people are placed in residential institutions. Probation plays a significant role in perpetuating the vast overrepresentation of African-American, Latino and other youth of color in our nation’s justice systems.

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