Corrections_Today_September_October_2019_Vol.81_No.5

Juvenile Justice News

undertaken. For example, helping people understand the reasons for change, being non-judgmental about resistances, permitting (and even en- couraging) the appropriate expression of concerns and subsequently address- ing them, are all ideas that are equally well applied to both staff and youth during periods of transformation. As a result of the many reform efforts over the last couple of de- cades, there has been systemic changes that have had major positive impacts within juvenile justice sys- tems. However, these reforms have also presented new challenges. In addition to system change, a focus on reducing the number of youths being committed to short- and long-term se- cure facilities has been effective and resulted in a much higher concentra- tion of higher-need and higher-risk youth in the deep-end of the juvenile justice system. Thus, more young people entering the residential juvenile justice system have arrived with multiple challenges, includ- ing mental health issues, substance abuse, sexual harmful behaviors and developmental disabilities. Juvenile justice systems have unfortunately become the “last resort” for localities that lack the resources and services to meet the needs of these youth. These youth also frequently present with many other factors that further complicate their rehabilitation and successful reintegration to their home communities. Juvenile justice programs have realigned to make significant sys- tem changes to accommodate and treat this new population of youth. They have adopted trauma-informed treatment, and new adolescent brain development research has informed

their practices. Many residential programs are working to transform into trauma-responsive cultures and environments as the implications for treatment have changed. Jurisdictions have learned that institutional culture matters because cultural elements determine safety, goals and modes of operating. 3 Trauma models, such as the Sanctu- ary Model, represent a whole-system approach, designed to facilitate the development of structures, processes and behaviors for staff, youth and the entire community that can counteract the biological, cognitive, social and existential wounds suffered by youth in care. 4 This has contributed to the changing face of juvenile justice across the country. Many residential programs are working to transform into trauma-responsive cultures and environments as the implications for treatment have changed.

and leadership development for the administrators of juvenile systems. Juvenile justice issues and strategies are addressed through educational programs, research and technical as- sistance projects. CJCA partners with other organizations and advocates to transform and improve the practices in our juvenile facilities, and im- prove long-term outcomes for youth, families and communities. Introduction of evidence- based models and primary practices into juvenile justice care In conjunction with nationwide reforms of juvenile justice systems over the past 20 years, the number of youths in juvenile justice settings has steadily declined. Data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention show arrest rates for youth have declined over time, generally down each year since 1994, with a slight increase (2004- 06) and again down consistently since 2006. 5, 6 Reduced arrest rates have resulted in decreased residential juvenile justice placements and alterna- tives to detention placement have also increased over time, including community-based services and other alternatives to detention. 7 This has resulted in jurisdictions success- fully diverting many youths from long-term detention or residential placements into less restrictive settings, often closer to their home communities and families. Juvenile justice systems are tasked with assessing each youth for their risks and needs as well as for the strengths, resources and skills

The Council of Juvenile Cor- rectional Administrators (CJCA) has been at the forefront of this movement to transform practice. CJCA provides national leadership

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