Putting a Stop to the Mass Incarceration of Juveniles

• In Event: Juvenile Offenders and Justice: Mass Incarceration, Plea Bargaining, Desistance, and Mortality

Abstract

Many states are recognizing the challenges and consequences of relying on the use of incarceration to address juvenile delinquency. The available research is being considered and juvenile justice systems are accepting that youth are better served in the community with proven approaches. In response, many states are undergoing large-scale reform movements to transform their juvenile justice system. As one of the first states to embrace youth de-incarceration strategies, Ohio invested in system level change efforts as a way to transform their juvenile justice system. Among these reform initiatives was Targeted RECLAIM, which aimed to reduce commitments to DYS while also increasing the availability of evidence-based practices in the community. This study examines whether Targeted RECLAIM has been successful in reducing commitments to DYS and ultimately diverting youth from state institutions since its inception in 2009 through 2013. The findings will be shared and conclusions will be drawn so that the results might inform juvenile justice systems on how to work towards ending the problem of mass incarceration. 

Authors

• Myrinda Schweitzer Smith, University of Cincinnati

• Edward J. Latessa, University of Cincinnati