State Strategies to Address the Needs of Justice-Involved Youth Impacted by Collateral Consequences

Summary

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system routinely face a variety of repercussions beyond detention. Although some of these may be related directly to the violation that occurred, there are many other secondary effects that can result from their system involvement. A recent report from the National Governors Association explores the many adverse effects on youth with justice system involvement. Funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the report offers state leaders policy options for mitigating these effects, which can hinder young people’s ability to make successful transitions to adulthood.

Understanding Collateral Consequences

Based on discussions with national, state and local youth justice experts, State Strategies to Address the Needs of Justice-Involved Youth Impacted by Collateral Consequences, describes the immediate and long-term harm of any involvement with the juvenile justice system, including arrest, detention, adjudication, residential placement and probation. Consequences for youth include loss of education, benefits and driver’s licenses as well as long-term effects of trauma and stigma attached to system involvement. Families of these youth may also face collateral consequences, including financial penalties, restricted housing availability and criminal charges if the state holds the parent or guardian responsible for the youth’s conduct.

Policy Solutions and Considerations for Governors and State Agencies

The report discusses two categories of strategies for reducing the secondary consequences of justice-system involvement: comprehensive youth justice reform and targeted policies.

In addition to these strategies, the report provides considerations for governors and state agencies to support reform, including:

• strengthening interagency partnerships and collaboration;
• introducing legislation to address collateral consequences;
• partnering with local nonprofit service providers;
• creating a task force, working group or oversight committee; and
• supporting community-based, trauma-informed methods for engaging youth.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Takeaways
• Understanding Collateral Consequences
• Policy Solutions and Considerations
• Considerations for Governors and State Agencies
• Endnotes

Key Takeaway

State Leaders Can Apply Comprehensive Reform Approaches or Targeted Policies to Mitigate the Harm of Juvenile Justice System Involvement on Young People

Justice-involved youth face a diverse range of collateral consequences that can have both immediate and long-term negative effects on their well-being. These include significant financial burdens from fines, fees and restitution; barriers to self-sufficiency, such as reducing job eligibility; and trauma. State leaders can adopt either comprehensive reform approaches to mitigate collateral consequences for youth or targeted policies that address specific consequences to improve outcomes for youth and families.