Model Reforms: Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System

These memos address different issues relating to the prosecution and sentencing of children in the adult criminal justice system. The memos give background information on the topics, summarize recent reforms in different jurisdictions, and provide model legislation.

Ending Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Children

This memo addresses mandatory minimum penalties for children sentenced as adults and proposes legislation to eliminate such penalties.

Parole Board Hearings for Juvenile Offenders

This memo addresses the criteria and procedures that parole boards should use in considering the release of juvenile offenders serving lengthy sentences and provides model provisions to implement the proposed practices.

Reducing Transfer to the Adult System

This memo describes reforms and provides model legislation aimed at reducing the number of children transferred to adult court by increasing judicial oversight over the transfer decision and reducing the pathways to adult court.

Raising the Minimum Age of Adult Court Jurisdiction

This memo addresses reforms that have raised the minimum age of transfer to adult court and proposes legislation to limit or eliminate transfer of young teenagers to the adult criminal justice system.

Ending Solitary Confinement of Children

This memo addresses solitary confinement of children and provides ideas for legislation to end the practice.

Consideration of Youth for Young Adults

This memo describes reforms relating to the prosecution and sentencing of young adults ages 18-25 and proposes legislation to limit or mitigate imposition of adult penalties on this age group.