Missouri | Columbia Organization Description: The P.E.A.C.E. and H.O.P.E. Center provides a welcoming space where young people can participate in a wide range of programs and activities that promote healthy development and socioemotional well-being. Through academic support, skill-building workshops, extracurricular activities, clubs, and other learning opportunities, the Center helps youth build confidence and essential life skills.…
Missouri | St. Louis “We have chosen a punitive way because it is the only option we know but when you give folks (survivors/victims, judges, prosecutors, others harmed) involved in the legal system alternatives, people will choose other options.” – Mike Milton, Executive Director of Freedom Community Center Organization Description: Freedom Community Center is a Black-led restorative justice organization…
On February 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice released its investigation findings of the Special School District of St. Louis County, highlighting that the District’s seclusion and restraint practices violate Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. From the investigation: “Missouri parents and guardians entrust their vulnerable children with disabilities to SSD on…
The Missouri Eastern District Court of Appeals reversed a juvenile court adjudication of second-degree tampering based on insufficient evidence regarding the youth’s requisite culpable mental state. The Court stated in relevant part: “W.M.H. argues the juvenile court erred in finding he committed second-degree tampering because there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt W.M.H.…
The Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District held that courts must ensure that a juvenile court admission is voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently made, and requires the court to establish a factual basis. The court stated in relevant part: ““A plea of guilty is constitutionally valid only to the extent it is ‘voluntary’ and ‘intelligent.’” Booker…
This brief from the National Governor’s Association outlines trends in setting or raising the age boundaries across the United States and provides policy recommendations for Governors across the country. Recommendations from this report include: A preponderance of scientific research supports setting or raising age boundaries to developmentally appropriate levels. Bolstering developmentally appropriate responses and care…
This report from The Sentencing Project highlights “raise the age” legislative successes across the country, underscoring that the use of youth confinement is not a necessary result of these legislative shifts. For the nine states that implemented raise the age legislation, only New York, North Carolina, and Louisiana added juvenile facilities that are still operating,…
On December 14, 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice entered into a settlement agreement with the St. Louis County Family Court to remedy constitutional violations. The settlement agreement covers policies and practices to ensure the due process and equal protection rights of all youth are upheld. This includes early appointment of youth defense counsel, prohibition…
On July 31, 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice released its investigation findings into the St. Louis County Family Court, finding due process and equal protection violations. The findings include right to counsel violations by denying constitutionally adequate defense representation, privilege against self-incrimination violations by requiring a child to admit to allegations for diversion, inadequate…
