David Muhammad, a former troubled youth turned chief probation officer, shares his transformative journey from Oakland's drug scene to leading juvenile justice reform. He discusses the dramatic 77% decrease in youth incarceration in the U.S. from 2000 to 2020, questioning whether this progress can be maintained. Muhammad advocates for alternatives to incarceration, highlighting the importance of mentorship programs and community support in fostering positive change. His insights challenge the notion that juvenile detention effectively rehabilitates young offenders, emphasizing the need for ongoing reform.

Join James Forman Jr., a Yale Law professor and Pulitzer Prize winner, alongside juvenile justice experts David Muhammad, Laura Abrams, and Katherine Lucero, as they unpack the striking 77% decline in juvenile incarceration from 2000 to 2020. They delve into the reasons behind this trend, contrasting punitive past practices with a focus on rehabilitation. The conversation also covers California's role, the challenges linked to COVID-19, and innovative community approaches that prioritize healing over punishment, offering a compassionate view of youth justice.