Updated report on incarceration of status offenders released by Kentucky Youth Advocates

Kentucky has one of the highest rates of any state in the nation of putting kids in jail for minor offenses, like running away or missing school, but the trend is moving to fewer youth incarcerated according to an updated report, Ending the Use of Incarceration for Status Offenses in Kentucky, by Kentucky Youth Advocates, with support from the Children's Law Center. The report recommends continuing to lower the number of youth in jail for misbehaviors by shifting to more effective alternatives that hold youth accountable while saving tax dollars and avoiding the unintended consequences on public safety of incarcerating youth for minor offenses.

Read the Report and Press Release

Upcoming Webcast: Working with the Media: Tips for Juvenile Justice Professionals

 

Panel 

Patti-Jo Burtnett, Manager, Public Relations, Lorain County Children Services 

Jack Kresnak, Veteran Reporter, Detroit Free Press & President & CEO, Michigan's Children 

Eric Solomon, Director of Media Relations, Campaign for Youth Justice 

Description 

The media is a powerful conduit through which to disseminate information about the juvenile justice system, especially to the public. It is imperative for those working in the juvenile justice arena to be prepared to respond to questions from reporters, help educate the media about the challenges and successes of the system, and have a communications plan in the event of a crisis. It is also important to know how to sell story ideas and respond to stories that contain inaccuracies or messages that run counter to best practices and current research. 

Faculty will explore the ABC's of media communications to help participants build their communication and media skills, better understand the role of media advocacy, and find ways to avoid common pitfalls. This webcast is designed for juvenile justice stakeholders, including legal professionals and court representatives, treatment providers, child advocates, public policy professionals, those working in probation/parole, and corrections. 

 When 

June 7, 2012 

11:30 to 1:00 p.m. Pacific/2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern 

Registration 

The webcast is free and open to stakeholders interested in improving outcomes for youth involved the juvenile or adult criminal justice system. However, space is limited and registration is required. To register go to webcast registration and follow the instructions. Participants will need a computer that has audio capabilities and is connected to the Internet. If you have any questions, email Lauren Litton at lllitton@ispconsults.com or contact Children's Law Center at (859) 431-3313. 

CLC Releases Two Publications on Youth in the Adult System in Ohio

Over the past 20 years, Ohio laws have changed to make it increasingly easier for youth to come into contact with the adult criminal justice system.  Although Ohio has recently taken a step towards removing youth from the adult system, these policies have resulted in over 300 youth are processed in adult court or placed in adult jails and prisons each year in Ohio. 

Today, CLC released two publications focused on youth in Ohio who are transferred to the adult court system or held in adult jails and prisons.  The first publication is a report entitled Falling Through the Cracks:  A New Look at Ohio Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System.  The report is accompanied by a second publication, In Their Own Words, which highlights the stories of eight individuals – four family members and four youth – who have personal experience with Ohio’s policy of transferring (or binding over) youth to the adult system.

Falling Through the Cracks examines recent national research on the harmful effects of these policies as well as the national trend toward reducing the number of youth in adult court by states across the country – including Ohio – and the U.S. Supreme Court.  The report also includes extensive Ohio-specific information, including original data on outcomes for youth who are bound over to adult court and recommendations on how to change Ohio law and practice on youth in adult court. 

“Too often, Ohio youth in the adult court system fall between the cracks – they are kids, but are being treated as adults, so don’t fit into either the juvenile or adult system” said Kim Tandy, Executive Director of CLC.  “The release of this report is an important step to continue putting Ohio’s policies on the right track to make Ohio’s youth and communities safer by reducing the number of youth in adult court.”

On Tuesday May 8^th at 3:30pm EST, CLC hosted a webcast on the report. Watch the archive.  Electronic copies are now available online: Falling Through the Cracks,  Executive summary of Falling Through the Cracks, In their Own Words.