An Analysis of Statutory Terms and Definitions for Concealing Juvenile Records

• In Event: Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice and Delinquency

Abstract

The maintenance of juvenile records may have consequences and benefits for youth, their family, the justice system, and the public. Although less accessible than criminal records, there is a myth that youth processed in the juvenile justice system always have their records concealed when they exit the system. While each state outlines legal pathways for concealing juvenile records, the term, process, and outcome of such varies by state. What is meant by “concealing juvenile records” remains to be clarified systematically. To help us better understand “concealing juvenile records,” state statutes related to concealing juvenile records were compiled and coded from September 2024 – January 2025. Data indicated that seven terms (seal, expunge, erasure, confidentiality, destroy, inactive, setting aside) were used across state statutes to describe concealing juvenile records. Thematic analysis revealed that terms for concealing juvenile records had different effects for youth, the public, and justice system and associated agencies. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Author

• Sarah Steele, Prairie View A&M University