Reimagining Juvenile Justice: A Collaborative Approach

In rural southeast Arkansas, juvenile justice faces unique challenges that require community-driven solutions. A panel discussion, hosted by the 100 Families Initiative of Drew County and featuring professionals from law enforcement, juvenile court, community services, and faith-based recovery programs, brought together experts and stakeholders to explore innovative ways to support at-risk youth and their families.

The discussion highlighted the critical role of community collaboration in addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency, ensuring effective rehabilitation, and preventing recidivism.

Officer Ferguson of the Monticello Police Department underscored the need for better communication between agencies and families. He noted that many juveniles struggle to access essential services such as mental health care, education, and medical appointments. His goal is to bridge these gaps to provide more comprehensive support for young offenders.

Juvenile Court Staff Supervisor Vivian Guimbellot of the 10th Judicial Circuit Court of Arkansas emphasized the importance of working with whole families, not just the individual youth. One of the key insights was that juveniles often return from detention or rehabilitation programs to the same chaotic environment that contributed to their initial offenses. Without addressing these systemic issues at home, true rehabilitation remains difficult.

Justice Mitchell, a former offender turned advocate, provided a firsthand perspective on the challenges juveniles face. He highlighted the role of broken families, absentee fathers, and parental substance abuse as major influencers in juvenile crime. His personal experience underscored the importance of mentorship and faith-based programs in offering positive alternatives for at-risk youth.

A key theme in the discussion was the necessity of engaging with families before juveniles are released from the Division of Youth Services (DYS). A new initiative, the 90-Day Approach, aims to start working with families three months before a juvenile’s release, ensuring they have access to essential services like mental health support, housing assistance, and job opportunities.

Phoenix Youth and Family Services, represented by President and CEO Christie Lindsey, plays a vital role in providing community-based services aimed at preventing youth from re-entering the system. Their programs focus on prevention and intervention, emphasizing family restoration and community-based support over incarceration.

Trauma was identified as a major underlying issue among juveniles in the justice system. Many have experienced severe abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, yet struggle to access mental health care due to financial and logistical barriers.

The discussion explored potential solutions, such as mobile mental health units that could visit schools and community centers, ensuring youth receive the care they need without transportation obstacles. Additionally, expanding telehealth options for therapy could be a game-changer, though challenges like internet access and technology barriers must be addressed.

One of the biggest obstacles in juvenile justice is the duplication of services rather than a coordinated effort. Lindsey stressed the need for organizations to work together more efficiently, ensuring that families receive comprehensive support rather than being overwhelmed by multiple, disjointed programs.

The 100 Families Initiative is a step in the right direction, bringing together organizations such as Phoenix Youth and Family Services, Saint Francis Ministries, and others to coordinate services effectively. The goal is to present a united front, ensuring that families receive the help they need without confusion or redundancy.

The panel discussion highlighted the necessity of rethinking juvenile justice in ways that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, family involvement over isolation, and proactive intervention over reactive enforcement. By embracing innovation, strengthening community ties, and prioritizing rehabilitation, rural Arkansas can create a system that not only addresses juvenile crime but also transforms lives for the better.