NACDL

People exiting the custody of the criminal justice system encounter substantial challenges in gaining employment, finding housing, and accessing medical and mental health care. A popular area of focus among advocates, practitioners, law enforcement, and right-minded policymakers over the past decade has been the strengthening of re-entry support so that the odds of recidivism and return to the system are minimized. Some of this advocacy centers on easing the restrictions that frequently accompany a conviction such as housing bans, placement on public registries, and employment barriers. Less attention has been paid to the consequences that accompany a juvenile conviction, but young people also face system-imposed obstacles to success based on a delinquent or criminal record.

This article explores areas in need of attention and reform so that young people who have been adjudicated delinquent or convicted of a crime are not punished subsequently by other systems they encounter. The inform