September Spotlight on Criminal Justice: What Works to Reduce Juvenile Crime?

From the R Street Institute:  

“Juvenile crime has captured headlines and consumed policymaking conversations in recent months. In fact, say six out of 10 major city mayors say juvenile crime is a problem in their city. But despite the temptation to “get tough” on all children who run afoul of the law, the research is clear: Harsher punishments, trying youth as adults, and over-incarceration do not make communities safer. In fact, they often make things worse by increasing the likelihood that a young person will reoffend. 

Rather than using it as the default for all juvenile delinquency, harsh punishment should be reserved for young people who pose a real public safety threat. Given how many myths still dominate the conversation around juvenile crime, finding effective solutions that truly address and prevent juvenile crime is important. 

Fortunately, there are proven alternatives—approaches that combine accountability with trust, healing, and support. Three stand out: community violence intervention (CVI), multi-disciplinary deflection, and restorative justice. Each offers a limited-government solution that strengthens public safety without expanding costly and ineffective systems of punishment.”