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Abstract: 

Michele Deitch of the LBJ School of Public Affairs has written an exceptionally rich and insightful report on the treatment of juveniles as adults in the Texas criminal justice system. Among other conclusions, Deitch’s study found that it is not the “worst of the worst” who are transferred to the adult system but rather the main difference between juveniles is the county from which they came; most juveniles transferred had not been exposed to the toughest TYC options; and, juveniles-as-adults are held in adult jails awaiting trial and sent to adult prison on conviction. As legislators continue to evaluate major structural changes for the Texas juvenile justice system, the recommendations here should be taken into account in order to better serve the needs of serious juvenile offenders in Texas and to protect public safety through improved outcomes.

Keywords: Juvenile justice

Affiliations:  1: Executive Editor.