A study by the Urban Institute found that youth courts are often more effective in preventing repeat crimes than are other methods used by cities to discipline first-time minor offenders, which range from a letter of warning to referral to juvenile criminal court. “Youth courts provide a more thorough and personal response,” says Jeffrey Butts, who directed the Urban Institute study. Continue reading Time Magazine – A Jury of Their Peers

Jeffrey Butts, director of the youth justice program at the Urban Institute, said the report speaks well of today’s teens. “Maybe we have the next ‘greatest generation’ coming along here,” Butts said. Continue reading CNN – Report: Children’s Well-being Improving

The District’s juvenile arrest rate for violent crimes — including robbery, aggravated assault and rape — increased last year after falling steadily since the mid-1990s, according to a report by the Urban Institute, a nonpartisan research organization. Arrests for property and weapons offenses also were up, with auto theft arrests rising every year since 2000. Continue reading Washington Post – Juvenile Crime Bill Signed by Williams

Jeffrey A. Butts, director of youth justice research at the Urban Institute in Washington, said juvenile drug courts have been a modest success. “They are not a magical solution,” Butts said. “But they do reduce drugs, crime and recidivism enough to justify spending money on the policy.” Continue reading Washington Post – Increase in Offenses Prompts Creation of Juvenile Drug Court