Policy Engagement

Policy Engagement

Why Is Policy Engagement Needed?​​

Law Enforcement Officers have become a pervasive presence in the lives of many youth. They are now routinely deployed in public schools and, as social and mental health services have been scaled back, they are frequently the “first social responders” in many disputes involving youth. Law enforcement officers interact with youth in a variety of deeply challenging situations and settings, but receive little training about adolescent psychology and behavior and little in the way of policy directives that would ensure use of developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, racially equitable best practices with youth.

SFY is often asked by legislators, reformers, communities, government agencies and parents questions like:

  • Should officers receive special training to work with youth?
  • Should school resource officers be trained how to work with children with special needs?
  • Should policies regarding use of force with youth be different than policies for adults?
  • Should states record juvenile confessions?
  • Should police departments have special policies for treatment of children who observe the arrest of their parents?

Only 1%

of basic training in police academies is spent on juvenile justice issues.

Only 2 states

provide new officers training on teen development and psychology

Only 8 states

provide include information about DMC in their juvenile justice curriculum.

Only 9 states

provide new officers training on teen mental health issues.

How does Strategies for Youth get involved?

State and National Policy Debates

SFy engages in State and National policy debate through commentary on legislation, press releases regarding particular controversies, and  ways forward, SFY comments on efforts to address how to ensure to address structural law enforcement interactions with youth. SFY Policy Commentaries »

Research Reports

SFY conducts and publishes original research pertaining to states efforts to equip law enforcement to interact with youth in developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, equitable ways. Our publications include reports on academy curricula, state model policies, agency policies, as well as meta-analysis of research on the impacts of law enforcement interactions on youth. We also offer checklists for schools and families to understand clarify the role of law enforcement presence. SFY Reports »

Speaking Engagements

This year, Strategies for Youth is focused on introducing our newly released 12 Model Law Enforcement Policies for Youth Interactions to law enforcement groups and juvenile justice advocates. Our presentations have included:
  • June 2024: Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group.
  • June 2024: Regional Police Accountability and Public Safety Conference in Cincinnati.
  • May 2024: National Coalition for Juvenile Justice panel including Derby St. Fort, SFY Board Member,  and the Law Enforcement Director of the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services..
  • February 2024:  National Criminal Justice Association.

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