Policy Tool
From the Summary: “This report examines the devastating impact of New Jersey’s waiver practices, a system that disproportionately harms youth of color, sidelines judicial oversight, and prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation. It explores the systemic failures that lead to the prosecution of children as adults, the profound human costs for the youth and their families, and…
In this letter to school officials, the ACLU of Ohio provides guidance in response to the revocation of the “sensitive locations” policy that had previously limited immigration enforcement at schools. The letter provides guidance regarding procedures schools should have in place if immigration agents take enforcement action at schools, the collection of information regarding students’…
A redacted, one-page instructional document outlining steps for staff to take if ICE arrives at a law clinic.
Sample text: “Jurisdictions reported the practice (of youth fines and fees) was unnecessary and inappropriate since Kansas Dept. of Corrections grants already cover everything they would spend the fees on.”
From the introduction: “Friendships gain new importance and intensity as we become adolescents. Healthy friendships can lead to higher academic achievement, less risky behavior, and greater overall wellbeing and can influence our future values and identity. They can even have positive effects on mental health well into adulthood. Providing opportunities for young people to form…
From the executive summary: “This report offers recommendations for researchers, policymakers, diversion programs, and community organizations focused on diverting Black women, girls, trans and gender nonconforming people from criminal punishment systems. Our recommendations are based on an assessment of diversion programs through a Black feminist lens, which starts from the standpoint of the women and…
One-page infographic on the seven key developmental needs of adolescence.
An review of the six amendments made to the Immigration and Nationality Act made by the Laken Riley Act.
Issued by the Maryland State Department of Education, these documents provide, in English and Spanish, guidance regarding student rights, school registration, requests from immigration authorities or law enforcements at schools, training for school personnel, and resources for families.
From the introduction: “In August 2024, the Office for Access to Justice hosted its quarterly convening with national public defense organizations to discuss youth public defense. During the convening Rachel Rossi, Director of the Office of Access to Justice and Liz Ryan, Administrator of Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, heard from members of…
From the executive summary: “The repercussions of involvement in municipal court are severe and often can affect youth long into adulthood through punitive measures like probation, fines and fees, detention, and criminal records. To address these issues, this report calls on municipal courts, policymakers, police departments, school districts, and advocates to take action. It emphasizes…
From the introduction: “The incoming federal administration has promised a set of actions focused on mass deportations as well as aggressive and harsh immigration policies. If implemented, the human cost to immigrant New Yorkers will be staggering. Community-based organizations and nonprofits provide mission-driven services to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the state. Many in…
This report is the latest in a series of Juvenile Justice Initiative (JJI) reports on juvenile detention, building on prior research in concluding the time is ripe for a complete overhaul of the juvenile detention system in Illinois.
This report challenges the notion that Georgia’s youth legal system is built to rehabilitate and suggests measures that protect the health and humanity of all the state’s children. First, this report will explore the myth of the “superpredator” and its impact on perceived Black youth criminality. Second, it will detail the state’s school-to-prison pipeline and…
