Adolescents who enter the juvenile justice system often have trouble in school and are more likely to experience mental health and substance use issues. Most programs that help decrease arrests and violent crimes in this age group focus on prevention and early intervention (Healthy People 2030). Often, youth who are involved with or at risk of being involved with the juvenile justice system have additional life difficulties or disabilities. These factors may lead to encounters with the justice system and have impacts on their emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral well-being (Interagency Working on Youth Programs).

Considerations for Equitable Approaches:  National data show that Black youth and other youth of color are more likely than White youth to be arrested, referred to court, petitioned after referral, and placed in an out-of-home facility after being adjudicated  (U.S. Department of Justice). In response to racial and ethnic disparities in the different stages of the juvenile justice process, many states have begun to implement reforms by forming working groups with community partners, using regular data collection to guide future efforts, ensuring that race and ethnicity are distinguished from each other in youth surveys, developing more community-based diversion pathways, and enhancing culturally and linguistically competent programs for youth (Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs).

Inclusive Language Recommendations: Recommendations for more inclusive language include utilizing person-first language such “juveniles who are justice system-involved” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or “persons detained by or under the custody of” rather than “criminals” or “detainee,” which can dehumanize those who are being referred to (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).