Tennessee Governor Proposes Juvenile Justice Reform

The Tennessee legislature is considering legislation proposed by the governor to reform the state’s juvenile justice system. The legislation includes provisions to prioritize expanding community-based resources for justice-involved youth, including evidence-based programs, early intervention programs and services for children and families, and mental health services. Through the reforms, the legislature projects that over the next five years at least 30% fewer delinquent and unruly youth will be committed to out-of-home juvenile justice placements under the supervision of the Department of Children’s Services (DCS).

Currently, due to lack of community-based services, the state . . .