Juvenile Expungement Laws: Regional Comparisons

• In Event: New Frontiers in Juvenile Justice: Exploring Contemporary Issues

Abstract

In the last five years, many states have enacted legislation through the ban the box movement. Part of these efforts included the revision of juvenile expungement laws. Due to the provisions of previous statutes, juveniles experienced collateral consequences. Since the legislation was amended, some states have altered procedures, but it is not clear how extensively and how youth have been affected. This study examines two regions’ (Northeast and Mid-Atlantic) state laws on juvenile expungement, including new procedures and practices, and whether agencies or NGOs provide support for the expungement process. This research seeks to understand whether a revision has occurred, and if so, to review specific modifications and to assess whether the amended statutes reflect true expungement.

Authors

• Kristine Artello, Fisher College

• Alida Merlo, Indiana University of Pennsylvania