Thank you to the community leaders and experts in juvenile justice reform, adolescent substance abuse treatment and mental health who contributed to a successful 2013 Leadership Institute in Asheville, N.C., May 7-9, 2013. I'm pleased to…

In celebration of National Drug Court Month, Montgomery County Juvenile Court held a graduation ceremony celebrating youth who have successfully overcome drug and alcohol abuse. National Drug Court Month is coordinated on a National level by…

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) recently released a Statistical Briefing Book that offers statistics on various juvenile justice topics. The Book documents where states stand on a plethora of juvenile justice…

This just out from Child Trends; some fascinating and sobering statistics about the high school class of 2013. BETHESDA, MD — June 11, 2013 — Imagine a senior class of 100. They’re the product of their genetic predispositions, their…

Selecting an adoptive or foster placement for a child is a major decision that has lifelong ramifications. There are numerous factors an agency must consider before approving the suitability of the placement. A comprehensive assessment of the…

Minnesota Public Radio reporter Madeleine Baran released this story today on whether private boarding school Shattuck-St. Mary's should have told police about an accused teacher's child pornography in 2003. Child pornography is increasingly…

HB 863, which changes the way restricted-use driver’s licenses are offered to offenders, has been signed by Gov. McDonnell. It has been enacted as Chapter 522 of the 2010 Acts of Assembly, and will become effective on July 1, 2010.

Gov. McDonnell has signed into law HB 862, allowing juveniles to be immediately adjudicated as delinquent for underage alcohol, drug, or firearm offenses, and punished accordingly. It has been enacted as Chapter 569 of the 2010 Acts of…

On April 10, Governor McDonnell signed HB1121, Delegate Gilbert’s juvenile information sharing bill. The new policy will be effective on July 1, 2010.

        Just gave interview to the American edition of the Voice of  Russia Radio on today's United States Supreme Court's decision regarding the taking of DNA mouth swaps in Maryland v. King, 569 U.S. __…

   Today, the United States Supreme Court approved the ability of the police to obtain DNA samples from persons they have probable cause to arrest and process for serious offenses. In Maryland v. King, 569 U.S. ___ (2013), which may…

   Recently, I taped two Illinois State Bar Association cable television shows on "Preparing Your Young Adult for College, Part 1 and 2." The first of these shows will air on Chicago Access Network Television, Channel 21 on June 4…

Many of this year's graduating high school seniors already have their eyes set on a specific university, but others wonder if pursuing a postsecondary degree is really worth the time and cost. The public continues to debate whether college...

For every three people enrolled in a postsecondary institution, one person is under correctional supervision (incarcerated, on parole, or on probation). College has been part of the American Dream for decades, but prisoners and parolees have…

Recent reports underscore what many argue are serious problems with current financial aid policy. Lawmakers debate about how to handle the soon-to-expire low interest rate on federal student loans. Meanwhile, public and private colleges and…

Inmates sentenced to life in prison for murder as juveniles are eligible for parole and must receive a “fair and meaningful” chance at leaving prison, a federal judge said Wednesday. The order from U.S. District Judge John Corbett…

In this case, Father’s rights were terminated under MCL 712A.19b(3)(a)(ii) – desertion for 91 or more days – and MCL 712A.19b(3)(g).  The Father lived in Mississippi and had scant contact with the child.  Mother had custody of the…

I am starting to see reports that Governor-elect Rick Snyder is expected to appoint Justice Maura Corrigan director of the Department of Human Services.  Tim Skubick is reporting this, so it is reliable information.  Justice Corrigan has an…

One of the probation officer’s job is to evaluate your child and write up a report about them that the judge will then use/review for the court case. This report will be handed to the judge at the disposition hearing. This report will…

To be eligible for parole, the juvenile in the Division of Juvenile Justice must successfully finish all their program goals. In the month that the juvenile is scheduled to meet with the Juvenile Parole Board at a Parole Consideration…

To become emancipated means for a minor (a child under the age of 18) to become an adult under the eyes of the law. As an adult, the minor will no longer be under the control of his/her parents but the minor won’t be financially supported…