National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Issues Guidance on Youth, Families in the Court System

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges recently passed resolutions and policy statements on how to improve the lives of youth and families involved with juvenile or family courts. The resolutions address the needs of homeless youth and families, support a developmental approach to juvenile probation, and recognize the need for independent oversight of youth confinement facilities. The Council also released two bench cards: one with guidance on working with youth regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, and one on applying principles of adolescent development in delinquency proceedings. In addition, the Council released a guide of principles and practices addressing custody and visitation.

Resources:

• See OJJDP's Model Programs Guide literature review on positive youth development.
• Access OJJDP's Survey of Youth in Residential Placement Series.