Juvenile Justice Reform Initiatives in the States: 1994-1996

Juvenile crime and violence continue to be serious problems in our Nation. In 1994, more than 150,000 juveniles were arrested for violent crimes—murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults. From 1985 to 1994, the rate of murders committed by teens ages 14 to 17 increased 172 percent. Many of these offenders were friends and acquaintances of their victims.

Juvenile Justice Reform Initiatives in the States: 1994–1996, which identifies and analyzes issues and trends associated with State juvenile reform initiatives, represents an effort to fill that need. The report explains some of the more punitive measures, such as new criminal court transfer authority and expanded juvenile court sentencing options. However, many States have balanced these steps with enhanced resources and new programs designed to interrupt the development of youth violence and victimization. This document includes selected case studies of four States’ implementation of such balanced initiatives.