Stemming the Tide: Promising Legislation to Reduce School Referrals to the Courts

Abstract

This article will examine legislation around the country designed to decrease school referrals to the courts. The legislation highlighted addresses the actions to be taken within school systems, the role of the judiciary, and the engagement of multistakeholder groups in delinquency adjudication and disposition hearings. This article highlights state legislation that holds promise for shifting the landscape: identifying appropriate cases to be handled by the school rather than the court system; improving the school system's capacity to address disruptions; and better clarifying the role of courts, probation, and the schools in addressing student misconduct. Keypoints Legislation can stem the tide of the school to prison pipeline. Legislation can minimize referrals to court, strengthen the role of the court in reducing juvenile justice involvement of youth referred by schools, and make it easier for students to return to school after being in the juvenile justice system. Successful states employ a multifaceted legislative approach to reducing the school-to-prison pipeline.