Integrating the Science of Adolescent Development into Juvenile Probation Practice

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

The papers in this panel will propose promising strategies to bridge the gap between traditional, surveillance-oriented probation practice and the science of adolescent socioemotional development. The first paper introduces the Annie E Casey Foundation initiative on re-envisioning probation as a supportive process for higher needs youth, diverting low needs youth out of supervision entirely. The second paper introduces feasibility results from a specific model of probation practice based on adolescent developmental principles, and supported by AECF funding, that incorporates principles of reward, family engagement and positive youth development for moderate and high needs youth. The third paper explores the challenges of disseminating positive youth development principles in the paradigm of deficit-focused treatment principles and practices in the juvenile justice system, and suggests promising strategies for reform.

Sub Unit

• Area IX. Juvenile Crime and the Justice System / 49. Juvenile Justice Policies and Practices

Division of Special Interest

• Divisions of Special Interest / Division on Corrections & Sentencing

Individual Presentations

• Transforming Juvenile Probation to Meet the Developmental Needs of Youth - Steve Bishop, Annie E. Casey Foundation

• Feasibility Results from an Incentive and Positive Youth Development-Based Probation Supervision Model: Opportunity-Based Probation - Sarah Walker, University of Washington; Susan Miller, Pierce County Juvenile Court; Kate Pearson, Pierce County Juvenile Court

• Obstacles to Developmental Youth Justice Practice - Jeffrey Butts, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

Discussant

• Faye Taxman, George Mason University