Perhaps as Congress is bogged down on the simple issues like developing a budget, reforming the tax code, and immigration reform they would have some time to take up and support reforms to the juvenile justice system by adopting the latest recommendations from the Coalition for Juvenile Justice – Promoting Safe Communities. 

The recommendations fall into five categories (1) Restoring the leadership role that OJJP can play in advancing juvenile justice practice; (2) Supporting proven prevention and early intervention strategies; (3) Ensuring safety and fairness for court involved youth; (4) Removing youth from the adult criminal justice system; and (5) Supporting youth reentering communities following placement in institutions.  

Juvenile arrests have fallen, the number of youth incarcerated has fallen, and we have learned more and more about what works with youth, so smart investments and policies now will pay off in the long run for our communities and youth.                                                 By Jim Moeser