Issues for Change

Models for Change focuses system reform efforts on an array of target issues, chosen in consultation with state and local stakeholders. The choice of target issues and practical objectives for reform work depends largely on the history, resources, strengths and needs of the state involved. But the idea, wherever Models for Change works, is to build on and extend existing reform efforts and to stimulate system-wide change.

Aftercare

In a model system, juveniles returning to the community after a period of residential placement would be quickly connected with the programs and services they need to adjust and succeed. They would begin school, job training, or employment immediately. The mental health, substance abuse, and other specialized treatment they received while in care would continue. So would the strong support of family and other caring adults.

Racial Fairness

In a model system, juveniles would receive fair treatment regardless of their race or ethnicity. Not only would all hearings, decisions, and services be bias-free, but the system would routinely monitor compliance with this ideal. With respect to minorities that receive disparate treatment or come into the system in disproportionate numbers, resources would be available to isolate the causes and address them.

Mental Health

In a model system, professionals in the fields of juvenile justice, child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, and education would work collaboratively to meet the needs of youth without unnecessary system involvement.

Community-Based Alternatives

In a model system, responses to delinquency would be local and informal whenever possible, and all but a limited number of juvenile offenders would be supervised, sanctioned, and treated in community settings.

Right-Sizing Jurisdiction

A model system would feature individualized and developmentally appropriate handling of young people accused of crime. It would acknowledge the fundamental developmental differences between young people and adults, and avoid blurring the boundaries between the juvenile and criminal justice systems. At the same time, it would not usurp the role of families, schools, and communities in resolving problems posed by very young children.

Evidence-Based Practices

In a model system, programs, practices and services would be based on research, having demonstrated their effectiveness or shown a strong likelihood of success in improving juvenile offenders’ behavior or skills. And the system itself would contribute to the ongoing construction of a scientific base of support for its programs and services, consistently measuring the success of existing interventions and encouraging the development and evaluation of new practices to meet the needs of youth.

Juvenile Indigent Defense

A model system would safeguard the procedural and substantive rights of all youth who come into conflict with the law. Meaningful access to legal counsel would be available as soon as possible after a youth's arrest, and comprehensive representation would continue until the youth's case was closed. Defense attorneys would have limited caseloads and adequate training and oversight, as well as access to investigators, experts, social workers, and support staff. Their compensation would be adequate, and they would work in an environment that encouraged and supported their responsibilities to their young clients.

Back To Top