Webinar to explore impact of pandemic on policy trends in juvenile justice

The National Center for State Courts will present the webinar “The Impact of the Pandemic on Youth Development and Policy Trends in Juvenile Justice” on Friday, July 8, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Living through a pandemic has significantly impacted young people, their families, and the social structures that support them. Many of the individual and environmental protective factors that reduce the likelihood of juvenile court involvement – including school connectedness and pro-social supports – have been compromised during and because of the pandemic. The long-term impacts for adolescents, as well as the youngest children, are yet to be seen.  

The field of juvenile justice practice and policy has made great strides in recent years to implement strategies that work to divert low-risk juveniles, effectively identify and address the criminogenic needs of young people and reduce recidivism. Courts need to prepare now to effectively serve young people who have experienced school disconnectedness, social isolation, and exacerbated mental health needs. NCSC offers a six-part webinar series focused on how juvenile court stakeholders can best support young people in the post-pandemic era across the justice system.

This session aims to bridge the experience of youth during the pandemic to juvenile justice policy.  Dr. Olivia Hamrah, a child and adolescent psychiatrist from Georgetown University, will describe the impact of the pandemic on children's social development and mental health, and Anne Teigen, from the National Conference of State Legislatures, will describe juvenile justice policy trends across the country.

To register for the program, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “webinars.”