Other Juvenile Justice Issues

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 (December, 2008)
Children's Law Center of Massachusetts: Until They Die a Natural Death (September, 2009)
NY Times - A Shameful Record (February 6, 2008)

Girls in the Juvenile Justice System

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)
Boston Globe - Violence Raging among Teen Girls (June 20, 2005)

Department of Youth Services

The Department of Youth Services is the state juvenile justice 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, 2009)
Boston Globe Editorial - Who will look out for DYS 'inmates'? (March 7, 2008)
Boston Globe - Ombudsman sought for youths in custody (March 3, 2008)