Youth Justice Transformation in Action: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Bridging the Gap: Exploring Emerging Adulthood Research, Outcomes, and Effective Strategies
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Host: RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice
Guest: Lisa Jacobs, Associate Director of the Legislation and Policy Clinic at Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Duration Covered: 00:00 - 39:44
Introduction
In the episode titled "Bridging the Gap: Exploring Emerging Adulthood Research, Outcomes, and Effective Strategies," John Toole engages in a profound dialogue with Lisa Jacobs, an esteemed legal expert and advocate for youth justice reform. The conversation delves into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) within the youth justice system, underscoring the necessity for systemic adaptation based on developmental science and neuroscience.
Guest Introduction and Background (00:00 - 03:03)
John Toole introduces the episode's focus and welcomes Lisa Jacobs, who shares her extensive background in law, policy, and juvenile justice. Lisa elaborates on her journey, highlighting her roles across various branches of the legal system, including:
- Judicial and Executive Branches: Experience in the Circuit Court of Cook County's Domestic Relations Division.
- Academic Contributions: Clinical Professor at Loyola University Chicago’s Law School, focusing on child and family law.
- Policy and Legislation: Involvement with the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).
Notable Quote:
"Everything, when you look backward, really does center around our legal systems and their impact on people." - Lisa Jacobs [02:50]
Defining Emerging Adulthood (07:13 - 08:29)
John Toole prompts Lisa to define "emerging adults." Lisa offers a nuanced explanation:
- Age Range: Approximately 18 to 25 years old.
- Interdisciplinary Foundations: The term draws from developmental psychology, social science, and neuroscience.
- Jeffrey Jensen Arnett's Contribution: Introduced the term "emerging adulthood" in 2000, emphasizing that this stage is distinct from both adolescence and full adulthood.
Notable Quote:
"This is not adolescence nor adulthood, but it's theoretically and empirically distinct from them both." - Lisa Jacobs [08:08]
Impact of Developmental Science and Neuroscience (11:24 - 15:19)
The discussion transitions to how developmental science and neuroscience inform our understanding of emerging adults:
-
Brain Maturation:
- Different brain regions mature at varying rates, with full development extending into the mid-20s.
- Key areas like the prefrontal cortex, responsible for self-regulation and anticipating consequences, are still developing.
-
Behavioral Characteristics:
- Self-Regulation: Emerging adults often struggle with self-control and impulsivity due to ongoing brain development.
- Risk Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to rewards and novel experiences leads to increased risk-taking behaviors.
- Emotional Responses: Similar to adolescents, emerging adults may exhibit heightened aggression or anger in response to stressors.
Notable Quotes:
"Our brains are not fully developed. The mid-20s at least." - Lisa Jacobs [12:32]
"Maturity in one area of our brain doesn't necessarily mean maturation in another." - Lisa Jacobs [12:43]
Legal Implications and Supreme Court Perspectives (15:55 - 19:52)
John Toole raises concerns about legal accountability, prompting Lisa to clarify misunderstandings:
- Diminished Culpability: The Supreme Court recognizes that while accountability remains, the developmental stage of emerging adults necessitates nuanced approaches.
- Systemic Failures: High rates of probation revocations, recidivism, and failed treatment among emerging adults highlight systemic inadequacies.
- Need for Tailored Responses: Legal and programmatic interventions must align with the developmental needs of this age group.
Notable Quote:
"Young adults can get themselves in trouble in ways that are not indicative of their character or who they're going to be when they fully mature." - Lisa Jacobs [15:40]
Current Outcomes and Data Analysis (19:52 - 25:56)
Lisa presents alarming data illustrating the overrepresentation and poor outcomes of emerging adults in the justice system:
- Overrepresentation: Emerging adults are disproportionately represented at every stage, from arrest to incarceration, often at twice the rate of their population percentage.
- Racial Disparities: These are more pronounced among emerging adults compared to the general criminal justice population.
- Systemic Gaps: Lack of tailored interventions leads to higher rates of probation revocation, reincarceration, and treatment failure.
Notable Quote:
"Emerging adults are significantly overrepresented, usually at about twice their rate in the general population." - Lisa Jacobs [23:00]
Strategies for Improvement (25:56 - 35:50)
Lisa Jacobs outlines key strategies to address the challenges faced by emerging adults:
-
Diversion and Front-End Interventions:
- Goal: Keep young adults out of the system through proactive measures.
- Approaches: Support families experiencing stress or crises to prevent system referrals.
-
Survival Resources:
- Needs Assessment: Many emerging adults lack basic necessities such as housing, food, and mental health support.
- Systemic Support: Providing these resources is crucial before engaging them in legal or rehabilitative programs.
-
Procedural Justice:
- Fairness and Respect: Ensuring that interactions with the justice system are perceived as fair and respectful to foster cooperation.
- Reducing Coercion: Moving away from punitive measures towards supportive and empathetic approaches.
-
Relentless Engagement:
- Building Relationships: Continuous and meaningful engagement with young adults to harness their potential and promote positive outcomes.
- Community Integration: Strengthening their ties to community and pro-social activities.
Notable Quotes:
"Respect of young adults and who they are and how they want to be seen is going to be much more effective than trying to exert power over them." - Lisa Jacobs [34:15]
"Relentless engagement, meeting young adults where they are recognizing their state of development..." - Lisa Jacobs [35:05]
Future Directions and Closing Thoughts (35:50 - 38:25)
In concluding remarks, Lisa stresses the importance of treating young people not as miniature adults but as individuals with unique developmental needs:
- Policy Recommendations: Crafting laws and policies that recognize the distinctiveness of emerging adulthood to maximize their potential.
- Shift from Punitive to Supportive: Emphasizing supportive measures over punitive responses to foster long-term positive outcomes.
Notable Quote:
"Remembering that they are not fully mature adults in miniature. We have to craft law and policy accordingly." - Lisa Jacobs [37:45]
John Toole commends Lisa for her unwavering dedication and insightful contributions to youth justice reform, highlighting her role in advancing dual-status youth diversion, procedural justice, and overall system reform.
Conclusion
This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of emerging adulthood within the context of youth justice. Lisa Jacobs articulates the critical need for systems to adapt based on robust scientific understanding, advocating for strategies that prioritize support, fairness, and continuous engagement. The conversation underscores the potential for transformative change when policies and practices align with the developmental realities of young adults, ultimately fostering a more just and effective youth justice system.
For more resources and information, visit rfknrcjj.org.