This course is designed for students interested in deepening their knowledge related to juvenile justice policy and practice. Students will be provided an opportunity to think critically about the efficacy of current policy and practice and the key areas for reform. Topics to be covered will include: the history of the juvenile justice system, including a review of the current status of the system and juvenile crime trend data; research examining the pathways that children and youth follow into delinquent behavior; and the evolution of, and evidence behind, current policy and practice. There will also be a focus on the way research, politics and policy development interact in "driving" systems change. The course will also investigate special issues in juvenile justice, such as leadership of systems reform efforts, workforce recruitment and retention; the disproportionate representation of children of color in the system; provision of educational, substance abuse, and mental health services; gender based disparities in treatment; youth. family and community engagement strategies; and multi-systems approaches in juvenile justice reform. The course will conclude with an exploration of effective practices in the prevention of delinquency and intervention programs that work to reduce recidivism and achieve better long term outcomes for youth. The course format will combine lecture, group discussions, jurisdictional case studies, and limited guest presentations.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
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