Youth Justice focuses on community safety, accountability, and youth rehabilitation.   Brain development continues to occur for most until the age of 25.  During the adolescent years we can expect many youth not to fully comprehend the outcomes of their actions.  It is for this reason that youth need intervention when poor decision making occurs.  Sometimes parental consequence is enough to remedy the situation, while at other times, restitution may be involved or the action is more serious and requires court intervention along with supervision of the youth.

Current research reflects that youth who are at low risk and have high protective behaviors such as involved parents, a teacher that they are connected to, and activities that they are involved in will often correct themselves and don’t need system involvement.  However, low risk youth who do not have these protective elements are more likely to reoffend and continue to engage in risky behavior putting themselves and our community at greater risk. 

Juvenile Justice Intake receives and processes referrals from law enforcement agencies and schools.  Referrals are reports of delinquent behavior that would be considered a crime or status offense if the juvenile were an adult.

 

The largest number of youth referrals were for disorderly conduct, theft, battery, criminal damage to property, and drug charges.

The number of youth referrals (youth ages 8-16 years old) directly to Truancy Citation Court from their school.

The number of youth justice referrals (youth ages 8-16 years old) to the Marathon County Department of Social Services for delinquent behavior that are sent to court.