The Community Engagement Strategy

3. The minor's past record. Formal charges are more likely when a minor has been
previously involved with juvenile court.
4. The strength of the evidence that the minor committed a crime. Obviously, stronger
evidence leads to a greater likelihood of formal charges.
5. The minor's sex. Formal charges are more likely to be filed against boys than against
girls.
6. The minor's social history. Petitions are more likely to be filed when children have a
history of problems at home or at school.
7. The parent's or guardian's apparent ability to control the minor. The greater the lack of
parental control, the more likely the intake officer is to file a petition.
Along with these seven, four "unofficial" factors can sway an official:
1. The minor's attitude. Formal proceedings are less likely when a child shows remorse for
committing a crime.
2. The minor's appearance. If the young person dresses well, is neatly groomed and is polite,
intake personnel are more likely to handle the case informally.
3. Whether the minor has family or community support. The more support the young person
has, the more likely the intake officer is to deal with the case informally.
4. Whether the minor has an attorney. Disposing of a case informally may be less likely
when a child has a lawyer.
Reform
In his 1997 book No Matter How Loud I Shout, a study of the Los Angeles' Juvenile Courts,
Edward Humes argued that the system is in need of a revolutionary reform. He stated that the
system sends too many children with good chances of rehabilitation to adult court, while pushing
aside and acquitting children early on the road to crime instead of givin g counseling, support,
and accountability. 57% of children arrested for the first time are never arrested again, 27% are
arrested one or two more times, and 16% commit four or more crimes.
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