H A R M A T A L L S T A G E S

Any contact with the youth criminal system can cause harm, regardless of the extent or outcome.

Arrest

Risk of physical abuse and death; subsequent arrest records and criminalization; and traumatizing exposure to bigoted police officers.

Requirements can be arbitrary, burdensome, invasive and costly. May last a very long time. Risk of arrest and further criminalization for violating conditions.

Probation Trial

Can be lengthy and demand frequent appearances by youth and parents, requiring them to miss work and school. Proceedings are often confusing and the young person and their family are often silenced and powerless.

Interaction with Judge

Judge often has total power over the young person ' s fate and may treat young people differently due to personal biases. Even if the judge tries to act as an ally for the youth, there are vast power dynamics at play.

Collateral Consequences

Having a record can impact youth's ability to find work and pursue education, secure housing, or receive public benefits.

Reentry

Children who become involved in the criminal legal system often fall behind in school. The trauma they carry from system involvement may negatively impact their mental health and strain their relationships with family and community members. It may be difficult to adjust to regular life.