OJJDP Family Listening Sessions: Executive Summary - Office of ...

• I also think that officials need to take a hard look at the people working in the system. I’ve
seen too many people who are just burned out and who simply don’t care. We need to
provide outlets for them as well, and they should constantly be trained and educated on youth
development.
Common Themes and Reflections
In addition to the themes outlined above, participants shared the following thoughts and
reflections:
• Prevention and intervention efforts should be developed and implemented. They shared that
this approach is critical to keeping children out of the system and keeping families intact.
Family members also related this recommendation to the need for substance abuse and
mental health treatment.
• Evidence-based programs should be duplicated in every state. The Missouri Model was cited
as an example.
• Rules certifying or transferring children into adult courts should be abolished.
• Officials should place more scrutiny on those working in the system. Participants recounted
that in many instances, staffers experience ongoing fatigue and job-related stress and,
therefore, do not have the stamina to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. These family
members also shared that staff need to be regularly trained and educated on the latest youth
development principles.
• Aggressive efforts to prevent child rape in juvenile and adult facilities must be developed and
implemented immediately. Further, if a child is raped while incarcerated, immediate and
proper treatment should be provided.
Final Comments, Thoughts, and Reflections
Family members requested that President Obama attend listening sessions, saying that the
President’s decision to attend would place real weight behind his verbal commitment to the
healthy development of their children. They also emphasized the importance of listening to
families and youth.
Mr. Slowikowski, then-Acting Administrator of OJJDP, informed family members that although
juvenile justice systems are state based, the federal government can provide information on
effective evidence-based programs to the states and urge them to implement effective programs.