Reforming Connecticut’s Juvenile Justice System

Connecticut has invested heavily and come to regret its investments in an adult-like, institution-based youth corrections system that costs far more money and produces worse results than even the most intensive community-based interventions. This fact sheet outlines ways in which the state can improve its juvenile justice system, including returning juvenile court jurisdiction to include 16 and 17 year olds; replacing the CT Juvenile Training School with small, community-based programs that are more home-like and accessible to families; eliminating racial and ethnic bias, meeting mental health needs; choosing less restrictive placements; better responding to the unique needs of girls; and providing more age-appropriate and specialized services.