Juvenile Justice

		“HEALING INVISIBLE WOUNDS: Why Investing in Trauma-Informed Care for Children Makes Sense” July 12, 2010 A new report by the Justice Policy Institute examines how entry into juvenile correction facilities is the result of various factors, trauma being one of the most significant. The study further examines how identifying trauma is not always being done as effectively or as necessary to fully evaluate the youth’s needs. In turn this exacerbates the effects on the individual with the potential and likelihood of developing life-long psychiatric problems. Finally the report lays out some key recommendations including, improving assessments of trauma, investing in prevention and early intervention and providing services and treatment for young people who have experienced trauma. Read the report here.

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Current News

• The Youth PROMISE Act: click here to read more information and watch a short viral video featuring Russell Simmons, Robin Wright, football legend Jim Brown and others.
• "Report Urges Sweeping Changes for Pa. Juvenile Courts, Judicial Conduct Board," by Leo Strupczewski. The Legal Intelligencer, June 1, 2010.

• Defense Bar Lauds Supreme Court for Abolishing 'Life Without Parole' for Children and Teens, NACDL Press Release, May 17, 2010.
  
  Related Coverage & Materials
  • Graham Decision
  • States affected: California, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virgina
  • States with pending legislation: California, Louisiana, Florida
  • States which have eliminated juvenile life without parole: Texas
  • NACDL Amicus Brief:
    Graham v. Florida; Sullivan v. Florida,U.S. Sup. Ct., Nos. 08-7412 & 08-7621, cases below, 982 So.2d 43 (Fla.App.1 Dist. 2008) & 987 So.2d 83, unpublished (Fla.App.1 Dist. 2008), brief filed 7/23/09. Attorney/Child-Client Relationship---Juveniles---Life Without Parole---Sentencing---Eighth Amendment. Amicus curiae brief of the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc., Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in support of petitioners. Argument: Individuals younger than age 18 at the time of the offense should not be subject to life without parole sentences, as such sentences violate the Eighth Amendment. Authors: Vincent M. Southerland, John Payton, Debo P. Adegbile, Christina Swarns, and Jin Hee Lee, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. and Robert J. Smith, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice; Jeffrey L. Fisher, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
    

• "Conditions of Confinement: Findings From the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement," The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (May 2010).

• The Sentencing Project