CCC2C23BA7BB75F6872582CD00644EF4 Hearing Summary

Anne Teigen, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), presented to the committee and distributed handouts (Attachments A and B).  She described NCSL and the type of research that they conduct.  She also distributed a bound report to the committee members.  This report is available online at http://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/juvenile-justice-principles.aspx.

Ms. Teigen provided background information on the juvenile justice system.  She discussed national trends in treating mental health disorders in the juvenile justice system.

Ms. Teigen explained that some states have made comprehensive reforms to the juvenile justice system after extensive stakeholder involvement.  She described state efforts regarding early intervention and diversion of juveniles from the justice system.

Ms. Teigen described reforms related to juvenile sex offenders, including education and registration requirements.  She explained that some states limit shackling and/or solitary confinement of juveniles.

She described state efforts related to juvenile mental health needs including increased funding, screening and assessment, legal safeguards, and competency requirements.

Ms. Teigen described juvenile mental health courts in Michigan and Florida.  She discussed two additional juvenile justice trends including expungement of records, due process protections, and defense reform.

Ms. Teigen responded to questions regarding juvenile mental health assessments, juveniles returning to school after being charged with a sex offense, and the definition of a juvenile mental health disorder.

Ms. Teigen continued to respond to questions regarding states that study and collect data on outcomes of juvenile justice reforms and safeguards around self incriminating information.