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Dramatic changes in juvenile justice have occurred in recent decades. One result has been the emergence of new policies and practices, many of which remain largely unexamined. One avenue for gaining insight into whether such policies and practices are needed or effective, as well as into how the juvenile justice system might be improved, is to tap into the perceptions of people who work within this system. Drawing on a national survey of juvenile court practitioners, the authors investigate key questions about the effectiveness of juvenile justice and discuss the implications of the study's findings for research, policy, and practice.

In an effort to combat human trafficking, the United States federal government and all fifty states passed new laws that criminalise human trafficking and support the identification and prosecution of human trafficking perpetrators. Despite the passage of these laws, only a small number of human trafficking cases have been prosecuted in the last fifteen years. Guided by the notion that prosecutors seek to avoid uncertainty when making decisions to pursue criminal prosecution, we explore how human trafficking crimes are indicted under these newly defined state laws. Using a sample of cases from twelve US counties and interviews with police, prosecutors and court personnel, we examine the factors that influence the decision to prosecute crimes investigated as human trafficking in state court. This research informs our understanding of why so few human trafficking cases are prosecuted and why human trafficking suspects are rarely convicted of trafficking offenses.

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. research for safer communities We wish to thank Katherine Browning, Senior Social Science Analyst, at the National Institute of Justice, for her support and guidance throughout the study, and we gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Janet Chiancone, Research Coordinator, in the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in advancing the study's objectives, as well as the continuous support, feedback, and guidance of researchers and staff within the National Institute of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Several current and former employees of the Urban Institute played critical roles in the APO project. Dr. Christy Visher, Principal Research Associate, provided invaluable guidance throughout the project and important criticisms of the survey instrument as it was being developed. Shannon Courtney constructed the web-interface for the online survey and assisted in managing key aspects of online data collection. David D'Oro provided critical technology support, and Benjamin Clark, Elizabeth Davies, and Sara Debus played other key roles. Many scholars also were consulted for the study. The project is especially indebted to the practitioners, researchers, and advocates who generously gave of their time and shared their insights regarding the policies and practices governing juvenile justice-involved youth. Although we appreciate the contribution of those noted above, and any others inadvertently omitted, the authors acknowledge their responsibility for any errors herein.

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