Juvenile Justice
Definition
Separate legal system for people under 18, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. Juvenile records typically sealed at age 18, giving young people second chances. Effectiveness depends on treatment, education, and family support.
Louisville Context
Louisville youth crime often results from trauma, poverty, lack of supervision, and limited opportunities. Dave’s approach: (1) youth diversion keeping first-time offenders out of system, (2) after-school programs preventing youth violence ($35M investment), (3) youth employment programs (paid jobs for at-risk teens), (4) family support services addressing root causes, (5) trauma-informed juvenile justice.
Why It Matters
Kids who enter juvenile justice system often end up in adult prisons later. Intervening with treatment, education, and opportunity breaks this pipeline—giving young people futures instead of criminal records.
Dave’s Proposal
Comprehensive juvenile justice reform: diversion for first-time offenders, $35M youth violence prevention programs, paid youth employment, family support services, and trauma-informed system response.