The Arkansas juvenile justice system works to rehabilitate minors who have broken laws and provide support to their families while also maintaining public safety. It is important to serve youth through evidence-based community services whenever possible, rather than placing youth in juvenile lock-up facilities.
The juvenile justice system in Arkansas has made improvements in recent years with the implementation of a validated risk assessment that helps develop tailored intervention and monitoring plans. The least restrictive intervention should always be selected to promote youth well-being and reduce the likelihood of youth reoffending and entering the correctional system as adults.
Youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system can be marginalized in the legal processes, so it is important to lift up the voices of impacted youth, promote fair treatment of all families, and push for transparent juvenile justice data. Advocacy is also needed to ensure evidence-based prevention, diversion, and aftercare services are equitably allocated across each judicial district so that all youth and families, regardless of zip code, have an array of services to meet their needs.
Join us in the fight for children’s rights and family support. Your involvement can help shape a better future for our community.
