Summary
The article discusses the need for specialized training in the juvenile justice system in the United States. It suggests that current practices lack training specific to young people, which can lead to negative outcomes for both youth and law enforcement. The article calls for the implementation of standardized youth-specific training and policies.
Key Facts
- The first juvenile court was created 127 years ago with the idea that young people are not the same as adults.
- There is a call for the juvenile justice system to be a separate profession with specialized training.
- Few law enforcement agencies currently have youth-specific policies or training.
- The lack of training can lead to negative interactions between police and young people.
- There is a call to recognize the importance of specialized training to improve outcomes.
- Strategies for Youth, a national nonprofit, released a set of best practices for law enforcement interactions with youth.
- The author has extensive experience in juvenile justice, having served as a chief juvenile attorney.
