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The Need For Juvenile Justice Reform in PA

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Aug 30, 2021 | 0 Comments

The juvenile justice system across the country differs in many ways from the adult system. This difference is by design, as it recognizes a discrepancy in life experiences and brain development. If working correctly, this divide offers young offenders rehabilitation and the opportunity to participate in society regardless if they commit transgressions early on in their lifetime.

While this may sound fair on paper, are our state's juvenile justice systems working as intended? Lawmakers in Pennsylvania think that the answer to that question is “no.”

High Profile Cases Point to Poor Conditions, Shortcomings

One of the things fueling the conversation around juvenile justice reform is the media coverage of the terrible conditions of several youth detention centers across Pennsylvania. Frequently, young people would be sent to these institutions by court order following an offense. Perhaps the most prominent example was the Glen Mills case, where many former residents have spoken of the horrific life-altering abuse they were forced to bear.

But the examples don't end here. At the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center in Lima, a judge ordered the emptying of the entire facility after horrific accounts of abuse were unearthed. Another residential facility for youth in West Philadelphia, called Wordsworth, was shuttered by the state.

These nightmare accounts have led many to ask whether the system rehabilitates youth and offers them a second chance to be law-abiding citizens.

Bipartisan Task Force Created

Many legal and youth justice professionals working in Pennsylvania have recognized the undeniable need for reform in the criminal justice system. As a result, they have created the Harrisburg-based Juvenile Justice Task Force, which offers 35 data-driven recommendations to the state for ways to improve the youth criminal justice process.

Among the task force's recommendations is the elimination of fees, the raising of the minimum age that youth can be tried in court, and the use of residential placement only for those who pose a serious risk to those around them. In the past, even first-time offenders accused of non-serious offenses were sometimes placed in residential facilities.

The report also insists on ensuring the well-being of every single resident of a state-run facility to avoid a repeat of the awful events of the past. The full recommendations of the task force are available here.

Experiencing the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice System First-Hand?

If you or your child finds yourself amidst the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania, you shouldn't have to handle it alone. To ensure the most successful outcome for you and your child, you need an experienced attorney who will fight for you. LLF's Criminal Law Team and the LLF Law Firm are well-equipped to help you as you navigate the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation by filling out the Firm's online form or calling 888-535-3686.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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