Among Youth Born In 2000, More Than 60% Of Those Referred To Juvenile Court Did Not Return After A First Referral

Approximately 63% of young people in the U.S. under the age of 18 years in 2020 who became involved with the juvenile court system did not return to juvenile court after a first referral. Youth who received a formal sanction at their first referral were more likely to be referred to juvenile court for a subsequent offense, especially if the youth was ordered to residential placement.

The statistics were reported in a review of juvenile court system outcomes for all youth born in 2000 in 903 counties. About 12% of youth born in the participating counties were referred to . . .