Dialogue to create joint efforts against juvenile delinquency

The “Puerto Rico Minors Act” (Act 88-1986) was recently reformed. In this context, 18 government and nonprofit sector representatives started a conversation about the processes to address juvenile delinquency in Puerto Rico. It was the first of a series of meetings between the components of the social welfare system and the juvenile justice system to develop a joint work plan that offers responses to this situation. According to data presented at the meeting, of the profile of minors in the correction system, 53% suffer from some neurodevelopmental disorder, 42% have been victims of some type of abuse, and 44% have shown signs of emotional problems.

The group identified some challenges affecting the case management of youth interacting with the juvenile justice system. Among these are the absence of integrated data about the profile of minors, gaps in the availability of services, limitations in psychological services, and lack of continuity in services after leaving the juvenile institution. Also,  areas of opportunity have been identified to begin work and provide more effective comprehensive services. For example, Puerto Rico has a legal framework that protects the rights of early childhood, and there are collaboration agreements in place between agencies to promote child and youth well-being. It has also been suggested that federal government funds are currently more available to support prevention and rehabilitation services. This is a starting point to explore ways to build on existing programs to expand prevention services.

There is a proposal to design a Pilot Functional Family Therapy program that provides services to young people at risk of coming into conflict with the law. This program could offer substance abuse counseling, conflict resolution, and anger management therapy. Likewise, the existing educational programs in youth institutions should be improved, and a continuous service plan should be developed to train young people to live independently.

Early intervention with minors in situations of abuse, with possible diagnoses of neurodevelopmental disorders or emotional problems, should be essential to prevent subsequent risk behavior that leads them to enter a juvenile institution. These efforts must be integrated with public policy and education, as well as prevention and socioeconomic development projects that seek to address the effects of inequality and lack of access to resources. Uniting our willpower, discussing ideas, and promoting diversity of voices are reasonable steps to direct a coherent, planned, and consistent project. Let us remember that the future is in the hands of our young people. These are lives that deserve a different opportunity.

Authored by: Katiana Pérez, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Drug-Free Alliance and member of the Puerto Rico Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention