Involvement in the Juvenile Justice System: The Unintended Consequences of Juvenile Records

• In Event: Collateral Consequences of Justice: Effects on Young People

Abstract

There is a common misconception that involvement in the juvenile justice system is virtually harmless. As such, very little attention has been paid to the unintended consequences of juvenile records. A juvenile record might lead to several adverse effects such as the loss of educational and employment opportunities, as well increase possible future prosecution. Many juveniles who come into contact with the juvenile justice system might be aware that their records can be sealed or expunged, but might not take the necessary steps to have their records sealed or expunged. Given that the juvenile justice system is based on rehabilitating juveniles as opposed to punishing them, the theoretical foundation of the juvenile justice system regarding the many unintended consequences is relatively understudied. Thus further research is needed to examine the unintended consequences of juvenile records, and to address the implications of current juvenile justice practices and policies.

Author

• Marika Dawkins, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley