As part of an innovative and intentional step towards reform, the Oregon Judicial Department’s (OJD) Juvenile Delinquency Improvement Program (JDIP) brought together an incredible group of young people to form the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB). This board consisted of justice-involved youth whose insights and experiences are invaluable and needed in making the juvenile justice system more ‘just’ and effective.
Just Outcomes was honored to partner with OJD to facilitate these important conversations by eliciting the lived experience and wisdom of youth who have lived through the system. Aligned with restorative justice principles and values, and Just Outcomes’ framework for systemic change, we centered the voices of participating youth to ensure that reforms address the actual needs and challenges faced by those most affected.
The process began last October when JDIP launched a recruitment process, inviting justice-involved youth aged 16-26 to join the JJAB. By January 2024, a passionate and committed group had come together, ready to share their stories and ideas. Over the next six months, these individuals met monthly, building connections, bravely sharing their experiences, and crafting recommendations to enhance Oregon’s judicial process.
What We Talked About
The board meeting discussions revolved around three critical areas:
1. Court Process Education and Advocacy
Youth discussed gaps in how well they and their families understood the court process, the effectiveness of legal representation, and the clarity of communications from judges and court officials. They shared their experiences and challenges in understanding court proceedings and discussed who might be best positioned to help families better navigate this complex system.
2. Creating Trauma-Informed Court Environments
Reflecting on what was experienced as an intimidating courtroom environment, the youth reflected on occurrences like being shackled, which made them feel dehumanized. They also discussed the accessibility of court hearings, suggesting more convenient hours to facilitate family participation.
3. Enhancing Youth and Family Participation
Recalling limited opportunities to share their input during their cases, the youth advocated for judges to engage more meaningfully with them and their families. They emphasized the need for an environment where youth feel heard and respected.
The Recommendations
The recommendations that came out of these discussions includes the development of:
- Juvenile Delinquency Handbook: A guide to help youth and their families understand the court process.
- Courthouse Kiosk: A staffed kiosk to assist court users with resources and directions.
- Additional Court Hours: Offering evening court hours to accommodate different schedules.
- Peer Mentor/Credible Messenger Pilot Program: Launching a pilot program in select counties to provide peer support.
While these changes won’t directly benefit the board members, they have the potential to make a lasting impact on moving the judiciary toward a more informed, relational, and participatory process for future justice-involved youth in Oregon.
Moving Forward
We (at Just Outcomes) are proud to have partnered with OJD and to have facilitated the conversations of this transformative process. This initiative highlights the importance of involving those directly affected by the system in shaping its reform. Aligned with our values, by prioritizing the voices of those who have experienced the system firsthand, we can work towards creating a more ‘just’ and equitable society. This approach is at the heart of our work at Just Outcomes, where we strive to create spaces for dignity, belonging, accountability, and systemic change through restorative justice principles and values.