Shifting the Paradigm for Legally Involved Youth

What do you think of when you hear the term juvenile? What about juvenile justice? Do you think of words or phrases like bad or those kids? Take a mental note of things that may come to mind and breathe with me as we journey through this blog post. We will discover why shifting the mindset of negative connotations associated with juvenile and juvenile justice is vital, especially for Black, Indigenous youth of color. Black youth, more specifically for this post. So, take a deep breath in (1, 2, 3) and exhale (1, 2, 3). Okay, you ready? Let’s journey. 

First, we must understand that justice often in the United States is not interested in justice per se, but rather the legalities of justice related to protecting assets and property. I mean, let’s face it, if we could rip the band-aid off of what justice in this country has been both presently and historically, my goodness, would that wound be infected. This is important when we think about juvenile justice, especially for Black youth, because it impacts how they are seen, heard, validated, labeled, and reprimanded. Now, the goal of this post is not to give a history lesson but to honor and recognize how views of juvenile justice or legality related to Black youth came to be and how perpetuation continues. After all, any preconceived notions we have about juvenile and juvenile justice came from somewhere,  right? 

Presently, Black youth are over four times more likely to be arrested for non-violent offenses than White youth. Further, let’s keep in mind that the legalities of justice related to offenses are not always clearly defined but rather discretionary depending on the environment. In addition, the youth arrested often have a diagnosable behavioral health need that lacks attention. Thus, those who interact with youth have to practice mindfulness in understanding these concepts to disrupt the system to get the needs of youth met. Do you need a breath? Okay, let’s take a deep one together. Breathe in (1, 2, 3) and exhale (1, 2, 3). 

In shifting our mindset, the first thing we can do is challenge the way we label youth. Language is one place to start in uprooting marginalizing practices. Instead of saying juveniles when referencing youth in the “juvenile justice system,” universally saying youth who are legally involved honors their involvement without dismissing their humanity. This notion is essential because being seen and having the platform of being heard at any capacity empowers healing. Being empowered without being ignored is a social justice practice that BIPOC have fought for historically and continue to fight for presently. Referring to youth as juveniles heightens some of those initial thoughts we took a mental note of at the beginning of this post. Referencing legally involved youth gives grace, offers hope, and is a disruption to stereotypical terms associated with this population. Can we do this together? Say it with me, legally-involved youth. That’s it; you got it! 

So, what can we do as social workers, couples and family therapists, community members, and advocates?

1. Education 

Educating yourself and others provides space for learning, growing, and consistent development. We can never know too much, especially about marginalized and oppressed groups. Education is essential to life, awareness, and advocacy. As we continue to learn, we challenge systemic thoughts and practices that do not serve marginalized and oppressed groups like legally involved youth, their families, or communities.

2. Engagement

We must dedicate ourselves to the cause, if not this cause, some cause as most causes, big or small, impact youth on some level. Especially Black youth, so let us not grow faint in engaging with facilitators of oppression. Breathe deeply and speak, write, or be present by showing up. Oh, and don’t forget to ask questions. Know that you do not always have to be sure; remaining curious fosters more profound understanding. 

3. Assessment

Hopefully, something in this post has challenged or charged you professionally or personally in a way that will foster uprooting biased mentalities or practices that you may have that influence justice-involved youth or those who interact with legally-involved youth. Taking personal inventory is not always easy, but it is necessary to understand our role in oppression verbally or nonverbally and in practice or compliance. Youth legally involved need self-aware advocates, especially when allocating mental health resources. 

Education, engagement, and assessments are introductory starts to this complex issue. Let’s breathe and challenge systems together. As a doctoral student in the DSW program at Spalding University, much of my research is related to systems, structures, and institutions that impact legally involved youth, especially the education system. Legally-involved youth are impacted grossly in community politics and the education system. While my journey in the deep exploration of this group has only just begun, you can catch me at the intersection of Black youth who are legally involved, mental health, and the education system. So, pull up with me on my journey at this intersection because I believe we heal and thrive in collaboration and community with one another. One last thing, breathe deeply, always! You deserve it.