State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, has proposed legislation aimed at improving the juvenile justice system through case studies.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, has proposed legislation aimed at improving the juvenile justice system through case studies.
House Bill 501 would create the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission, a group dedicated to reviewing adjudicated juvenile cases involving critical incidents and systemic concerns to discuss potential legislation or policy changes that can improve the system.
“The commission will focus on preventing these incidents and ensuring better, safer outcomes for both our children and staff,” Littleton said. “During my time on the Second Look Commission, we’ve developed impactful legislation from case studies, and I believe creating a similar board for the juvenile justice system would have meaningful benefits.”
Critical incidents include escape, aggression towards staff, abuse by staff, self-harm or incidents involving the need for psychiatric in-patient treatment.
Systemic concerns include out-of-state placements, the diagnosis of intellectual disabilities while in state custody, transfer of juveniles to adult corrections, or extreme placement instability.
The commission would mirror the Second Look Commission (SLC) which meets every other month to review severe child abuse and neglect cases. It would be required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly.
The proposed 20-member commission would include lawmakers, juvenile court judges, a district attorney, law enforcement officials, and representatives from the Tennessee Dept. of Children’s Service (DCS) and Education. It would also include child development experts and an individual with first-hand experience as an adjudicated juvenile within the state’s system.
House Bill 501 passed unanimously out of the Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee on Feb. 18 and is scheduled to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on Feb. 26.
Mary Littleton represents District 78 which includes Cheatham and part of Dickson Counties.
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