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Loss and disconnection lie at the heart of juvenile crime and substance abuse. That's the powerful message from those working on the frontlines of youth justice, including Crystal Davis, who transformed her life after 26 years of addiction to mentor young people in detention.

"The biggest reason that I've seen is loss—the loss of a family member, the loss of a parent, either to death, divorce, drugs," explains Davis, whose own journey into substance abuse began at age 12. Now she teaches incarcerated youth essential life skills and encourages them to see beyond their current circumstances. "They're normal kids. They just made some bad decisions."

Today's juvenile justice landscape reveals troubling trends exacerbated by the pandemic. Judges across Arkansas report skyrocketing truancy rates and unprecedented levels of isolation among young people. "Some portion of those young people didn't feel safe going to school...mostly it was just they didn't want to be around other people," notes Judge Adam Weeks, highlighting how social withdrawal creates fertile ground for mental health crises and substance abuse.

What makes the current situation particularly dangerous is the evolution of drug potency. Marijuana wax containing 90% THC and fentanyl-contaminated pills have created an environment where "experimentation" can be deadly. Justin Buck of the Wolfe Street Foundation warns, "Experimentation might seem so innocent or we might have our own experiences with experimentation when we were teenagers. Listen, it's deadly today."

This episode explores promising solutions emerging across Arkansas, from specialized family treatment courts to community-based after-school programs. These initiatives reflect a significant shift in juvenile justice philosophy articulated by retired Judge Gary Arnold: "We recognize there are alternatives that are more effective and get better outcomes than simply locking them up."

Want to learn more about evidence-based approaches transforming juvenile justice? Visit smartjustice.org to explore additional resources and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest developments in this vital field.

Executive Director of Restore Hope Paul Chapman hosts this podcast. Executive producer is Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King.

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203: Beyond The Label with Dr. Karen Schiltz and Dr. Amy Schonfeld (Author Series)