UN Report Faults Practices Common in U.S. Juvenile Justice; News Roundup

Juvenile Justice Reform

• UN Report Faults Practices Common in U.S. Juvenile Justice (JJIE)
  The United Nations top investigator on torture has delivered a scathing criticism of juvenile justice practices common in the United States, including routine detention of youths, solitary confinement and sentences of life without parole for children.
• Florida Is By Far the Worst State for Kids Up Against the Law (Vice) "It has been and, I think, continues to be the worst state for young people accused of crimes," says Mishi Faruqee, an expert on juvenile justice for the ACLU. " North Carolina and New York are unique for the lowest maximum age of juvenile jurisdiction. But otherwise, Florida is absolutely the unique state."
• Rauner's juvenile justice team vows retooling to keep kids out of prison (Chicago Tribune)
  "This is all about helping our young people who've lost their way come back and be productive and reduce the tragedy of recidivism and falling back and staying lost as young people," Rauner said during a short appearance at the briefing.

Jobs, Grants, Events and Webinars

• Please share the Reclaiming Futures Opportunity Board with your colleagues in the juvenile justice, adolescent substance abuse and teen mental health areas. It's free to browse and post!

Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment and Mental Health

• School Suspension May Lead To More Pot Use Among Teens (University Herald)
  Researchers at the University of Washington and in Australia found that students attending schools with suspension policies for illicit drug use were 1.6 times more likely than their peers at schools without such policies to use marijuana in the next year -- and that was the case with the student body as a whole, not just those who were suspended.
• Students In Norwalk Create Awareness For Teen Substance Abuse Prevention (Norwalk Daily Voice)
  A special group of teens from Brien McMahon High School is making an impact on the Norwalk community by creating awareness for teen substance abuse prevention, as well as learning how to advocate for the cause.
• Teens' App Applauded For Helping Young People With Depression (NPR)
  Some teenage girls are headed to the White House Monday to be recognized for an app they created. Their "Safe & Sound" smartphone app is meant to help teens struggling with depression and anxiety.