New Brief Addresses Youth Development and Justice Policy

The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience has released “How Should Justice Policy Treat Young Offenders?” This brief explores current research and justice policy advances related to adolescent and young adult brain development. The report examines the neuroscience of adolescents and young adults aged 18-21, discusses how adolescent development has impacted justice policies, and offers recommendations for tailoring justice policies to youth who commit offenses—such as community-based alternatives—to help them reach their potential.

Resources:

Read the National Institute of Justice/OJJDP Justice Research bulletin “Young Offenders: What Happens and What Should Happen” that examines policies that affect youth who commit offenses.

See OJJDP's Model Programs Guide to learn more about youth development.