Other juvenile justice issues

Positive Youth Development

Positive youth development (PYD) is an emerging model in the field of juvenile justice that concentrates on the healthy and productive upbringing of today’s youth. Rather than focusing only on the problems and deficits associated with youth in the juvenile justice system (the traditional model), PYD supports developmental programs that focus on children’s strengths, fostering positive relationships and supportive environments.

The integration of PYD into the current juvenile system provides opportunities to benefit children and communities alike. While the Massachusetts juvenile justice system has not yet fully embraced the PYD model, several agencies have adopted the PYD framework (e.g., the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Youth Services and the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee) and the Youth Advocacy Department at the Committee for Public Counsel Services has implemented PYD throughout its work.

Examples of PYD assets:

• Positive relationships with adults
• Medical and mental health care
• Safe places to live and learn
• Opportunities for youth to serve and play a useful community role

LWOP (Life Without Parole)

The United States is the only country in the world that sentences youth to life without the possibility of parole. In Massachusetts, 57 people are currently serving life sentences without parole for crimes committed when they were under 18. This practice is ineffective at preventing crime and denies youth as young as 14 the opportunity to be rehabilitated and contribute to their communities.

Juvenile Life Without Parole: CfJJ Fact Sheet
March 2011

Children's Law Center of Massachusetts: Until They Die a Natural Death
September 2009

Department of Youth Services

The Department of Youth Services is the state agency responsible for secure detention for youth awaiting trial and for youth who have been adjudicated delinquent and sentenced to their custody.

DYS Budget: CfJJ Fact Sheet
March 2011

Romeo and Juliet Exception (Statutory Rape)

Massachusetts currently criminalizes all consenual sex acts with youth under 16. A Romeo and Juliet exception would remove criminal penalties for such behavior among peers.

Legislative Alert
March, 2011

Girls

Girls comprise a sizable minority of the juvenile justice system, a system designed with the needs and behaviors of boys in mind. It is crucial that the juvenile justice system recognizes the particular risks and needs of system-involved girls and provide appropriate resources and programming for them.

Massachusetts Girls: CfJJ Fact Sheet
June, 2005

Parent-Child Privilege

A child’s relationship with a parent is often the most important and intimate one in his or her life, and a parent is almost always a child’s gateway to religious, medical or legal help. Despite this, parents in the Commonwealth can be legally compelled to testify against their children in court. A parent-child privilege would allow parents to give their children the guidance and support they need without fear that it will be used against them.

Decriminalization of Teen Prostitution

Massachusetts is one of only four states that treat trafficked children as criminals. The Safe Harbor Bill is a crucial step towards recognizing that these exploited children are victims, not delinquents. An anti-trafficking law will help connect youths coerced into prostitution with the services and care they need, and will hold the true criminals – the pimps and johns – responsible with more severe penalties.

CHINS Reform (FACES)

Currently, the first stop for families seeking services for their children is the Massachusetts juvenile court system. This juvenile justice based system (CHINS) is confusing to families and unnecessarily exposes children to the juvenile justice system. CHINS reform will transform the current system into one that is community-based, family-centered, and easy to navigate, providing comprehensive services for children until the age of 19.

Educational Stability for Foster Kids

Keeping kids in school and ensuring their educational success is one of the best ways to keep them out of the juvenile justice system. But for foster children, educational success is often jeopardized by the disruption of changing schools as the result of entering a new placement. Developing a plan to improve educational stability and continuity for foster children is an important step toward improving the educational outcomes of this vulnerable population – and keeping them from becoming involved with the juvenile justice system.