Our Youth Justice Work Focuses On

FAIR, EFFECTIVE, AND SAFE SCHOOL PRACTICES

All schools should provide staff with training on effective school discipline strategies, work to eliminate opportunities for bias in school discipline, and connect students with supports to make good choices and avoid involvement in the justice system.

YOUTH JUSTICE REFORMS

To continue improving the juvenile justice system and community safety in Texas, we must prioritize effective delinquency prevention and diversion programs; reduce recidivism by locking up fewer kids and providing appropriate rehabilitative services; protect the safety of youth in the system; and ensure youth are held accountable for mistakes in a way that doesn’t limit employment and other opportunities in adulthood.   

ENDING RACIAL DISPARITIES

We must end racial disparities in school discipline practices, the way the justice system responds to youth behavior, and more.

ADDRESSING THE INTERSECTION OF YOUTH JUSTICE AND OTHER ISSUES

Supporting children and families through appropriate mental health services, Child Protective Services programs, and other efforts are key to helping youth either avoid the juvenile justice system or succeed if they enter it.

 

Our Latest on Youth Justice

SEE ALL OUR RESOURCES ON YOUTH JUSTICE →

 

Additional Resources

Our August 2019 report on early grade suspensions in Texas

Our 2019 legislative recap on youth justice policy

Our June 2018 blog on keys to safe and supportive schools

Our 2017 legislative recap on youth justice policy

Our April 2017 report on Raising the Age co-authored by our partner organizations

Our January 2017 op-ed on raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction

Our December 2016 report co-authored by Texas Appleseed on school policing