Young people are experts on the juvenile justice system, but their experiences, feelings, and perspectives are not often heard or respected.

This research captures interviews about the juvenile justice system from young people aged 18 to 24 years old who have lived experience with the system and provides valuable insights on how research can help improve the system for young people. Interviewees answered questions about what they thought of the juvenile justice system, what could be changed, what could be done better to help young people be successful, and what the greatest challenges are for young people who interact with the system.

The summary includes the following sections:

  • A description of the participants
  • An overview of participant perspectives on the juvenile justice system
  • Areas of the juvenile justice system that participants suggested as topics for future research
  • Participants’ recommendations for how researchers can create positive, meaningful opportunities for young people to participate and partner in such research