As one of the largest, most populated, and most economically important states in the US, California does many things differently from some of its smaller and quieter neighbors. Many of these differences have to do with innovations in legislation and criminal justice. Included among these distinctions is California’s system for dealing with juvenile criminal offenders. But just what is unique about the juvenile law system in California?
A Focus on Rehabilitation Over Punishment
California is different from many states in terms of the overarching philosophy that guides its approach to juvenile justice. In short, California’s approach to juvenile crime prioritizes the rehabilitation of young offenders rather than their punishment. Instead of plunging young offenders into a never-ending cycle of lockups and legal issues, forward-thinking California officials believe public resources are better spent helping these troubled youths forge better paths.
Unlike the criminal justice system in place for adults and juvenile law programs in some other states, which all focus on responding to crime through punitive measures, California’s juvenile system aims to better address the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency. By doing this, the state hopes to guide impressionable young individuals to stable, productive futures. This leads to better outcomes–not just for the individual youths in question but also for our communities as a whole.
Instead of harshly punishing minors who make uninformed, desperate, foolish, or otherwise bad decisions, juvenile sentencing in the State of California is often strategically focused on the perpetrator’s relationship with known underlying causes of youth criminality and delinquency, such as:
- Dysfunctional Family/Home LifeUnfortunately, juveniles who get into legal trouble can all too often be linked to issues within their families or homes. These issues can range from a simple absence of good parental guidance right up to criminal levels of neglect and outright abuse. These situations can put tremendous pressure on a child who may have no means of getting away from their home life when things get bad, creating a painful cycle that may contribute to poor choices and a devaluing of societal boundaries.
- Lack of CommunitySocial isolation and the lack of cohesive communities can also influence a minor’s behavior and personal values. Without intervention, children who grow up associating their neighborhood with dangerous people and dangerous activities may be at risk of falling into a difficult life of crime and subsequent legal issues.
California’s response to juvenile offenders aims to meaningfully break these cycles at the first opportunity rather than jump-start them through incarceration and other insurmountable punitive measures.
- Educational ChallengesThe relationship between California’s public schools and the juvenile criminal justice system is complex and multifaceted. This dynamic can present unique challenges for teachers, administrators, law enforcement officers, and especially young offenders and accused parties who get caught up in criminal issues while simultaneously pursuing education.
For this reason, California’s response to juvenile crime often takes into account educational factors like dropout rates and truancy, as well as academic struggles on an individual level.
- Mental HealthMental health problems and legal trouble can unfortunately go hand in hand, both for adults and children alike. Issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma can manifest in or contribute to criminal behavior in certain cases. That’s why California’s response to juvenile crime also involves connecting minors who are struggling with their mental health to effective resources.
- Substance AbuseDrugs and alcohol are connected to many criminal cases among both adults and minors, whether we’re talking about major drug trafficking felonies or low-level misdemeanors that occur as the result of alcohol-fueled decision-making. California’s system for juvenile offenders often involves programs for the prevention, intervention, or treatment of substance abuse issues that co-occur with juvenile delinquency.
- Peer PressureLeading a troubled minor down a better path will sometimes require addressing negative peer relationships in that minor’s life. These dynamics can take a variety of forms, from persistent bullying scenarios to toxic romantic partners to gang involvement.
Classmates, bullies, cousins, siblings, significant others, “popular kids,” online personalities, and celebrities who fall within a child’s same age group can exert massive influence on their values and decision-making. As a result, the California juvenile courts try to take this into account.
- Economic FactorsEconomic hardships and poverty have substantial links to crime rates and criminal involvement throughout society for juveniles as well as older age groups. A comprehensive and rehabilitative approach to juvenile criminal justice, therefore, means empowering impoverished offenders to make a better life for themselves. This involves strategically putting resources in place to help young offenders deal with the economic stressors that are serving as barriers to a more productive life.
- Systemic InequitiesCalifornia is perceived as one of the most progressive states in the nation, and often rightfully so, but there is still work to be done to address racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender disparities, as well as systemic biases and unjust policing methods. Many advocates argue that policies and procedures within federal, state, and local justice systems alike continue to disproportionately impact youths from marginalized communities.
SB 823 and the Shutdown of California Juvenile Carceral Facilities
Juvenile criminal justice can be a dynamic and fast-moving niche of the law, and the landscape of this field shifted in California in 2021 with the passing of Senate Bill 823. This landmark move, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, mandated the closure of state-run youth prisons. These facilities must have been closed by 2023.
Young offenders housed in these large state facilities (some of which had problematic or questionable histories) have since been remanded into the custody of county probation departments. By working within these more localized systems, it can be easier for state, county, and local officials to connect troubled youth with meaningful resources for rehabilitation.
FAQs
Q: Why Is the Juvenile Justice System Different?
A: The juvenile justice system is different because minors do not have fully developed brains and, therefore, cannot be held fully liable for their actions. This principle has its limits, of course, as minors can be tried as adults in certain extreme circumstances. Also, keep in mind that “the juvenile justice system” is not a monolithic concept: the various officials, advocates, and organizations involved may have very different motives and values from one another.
Q: How Are Juvenile Cases Handled in California?
A: Juvenile cases in California are handled through adjudication in juvenile courts, which endeavor to prioritize the minor’s interests and meaningful rehabilitation. These cases are typically initiated through a petition rather than criminal charges like in an adult case or a lawsuit like in civil court.
Q: How Are Juveniles Punished in California?
A: In California, juveniles are punished through sanctions such as community service, probation, mandatory counseling, etc. The court chooses the penalties to address the specific needs of the juvenile in question. In the most serious cases, incarceration at a county-run probationary facility is also a possibility.
Q: What Is the Main Purpose of the Juvenile Justice System?
A: The main purpose of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate offenders and give at-risk youth the support they need to succeed as adults. While some states focus on incarcerating and punishing juvenile offenders in much the same way adult criminals are treated, California’s system tries to intervene with meaningful resources.
My SoCal Lawyers – Effective Legal Strategies for Juveniles and Their Families
If you are a juvenile facing legal issues (or the concerned parent of one), please know that help from a highly qualified San Bernardino juvenile lawyer is only a click or phone call away. To learn more about how we can help guide your case to a positive outcome, please contact our dedicated offices for a confidential, no-pressure consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate member of our juvenile law team.
