Page 60 - Juvenile Practice is not Child's Play

adjudication. It is critical that you speak to your client about the possibility of enlistment during the

process and through record sealing.

8. Public Benefits: Families can be evicted from Section 8 housing if a family member does drugs or
commits a violent act—even absent a hearing. Dispositions that include registering as a sex offender can

also affect housing. Medicaid benefits are suspended during any detention period and SSI benefits might
also be halted.

9. Financial Aid: The Federal Government has passed legislation denying any federal financial aid to

individuals convicted (or adjudicated) of a drug crime if convicted or adjudicated while the individual is
receiving the aid. The denial lasts for certain periods of time, which increase with repeat offenses. Students
may have to contend with other repercussions of their dispositions.

10. Immigration: Certain adjudications such as drug or sex offenses can derail a legal immigration process.

If the child is undocumented, even a single arrest or detainment can jeopardize the child’s status. Advocates
should visit the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (www.ilrc.org) to understand the “Special Immigrant
Juvenile Status.”

Alternatives to TJJD

Historically, youth justice agencies devote the majority of their funds to confining a relatively small segment of the
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youth population—including numerous non-violent children—in large, overcrowded correctional institutions.
While there have been significant improvements in the rate of incarceration, the current situation is far from ideal.
Unfortunately, recidivism rates are frequently high for children who are released from these institutions, as in many
cases habilitative/rehabilitative services are lacking. Research consistently has demonstrated that incarceration in

secure facilities for many youth is less beneficial than smaller correctional programs providing greater individual care.
Programs that place a stronger emphasis on counseling, education, job training, life skills preparation, conflict
resolution, and mental health treatment are more successful. These programs are also beneficial to society because of
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better recidivism rates and lower costs. You should, therefore, be aware of alternatives that may give your client a
better chance to habilitate/rehabilitate themselves.

Make an effort to ensure that your client is sent to a quality-tested program that will meet their needs. By increasing
the number of days clients spend being habilitated/rehabilitated and receiving treatment in their homes and/or

52 http://www.juvjustice.org/blog/1054
53 Id.