Emerging adults in the justice system
Addressing the unique needs of individuals between the ages of 18 and 25
Emerging adults are developmentally distinct from fully developed adults and require different justice system responses. Court-related programs and practices for this age group should include building community collaboration, connecting emerging adults to their community, and individualizing program responses. "Meeting the Needs of Emerging Adults in the Justice System" explores how courts are responding to this age group for better outcomes.
Measuring outcomes in young adult courts
California is identifying feasible and meaningful statewide measures to assess programs serving young adults in the justice system with local models that vary in structure, resources, and approach.
Advancing effective justice for young people
Discover what attendees at our 2025 National Convening on the State Courts' Role in Effective Justice for Young People learned from colleagues from across the country. More than 200 stakeholders from 43 states and four territories participated in team learning and collaboration to better serve young people in the juvenile justice system and young adults in the criminal justice system.
Collaborating with the State Justice Institute (SJI), American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), Annie E. Casey Foundation, and individual states, NCSC is supporting courts with education and technical assistance for justice-involved emerging adult programs.
Updates on emerging adults & young people
Stay informed about the latest opportunities, innovations, emerging research, and policy shifts across the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
Supporting emerging adults through collaboration
Courts are connecting court-involved emerging adults to services and resources to help them avoid recidivism, gain independence, and achieve their long-term goals. Learn how staff in Franklin County, Ohio, build and maintain collaborations and how these collaborations impact program participants.
Improve your response to emerging adults
We're here to share best practices and develop road maps and action steps to improve outcomes for young adults in your community. Contact us to learn more about what's happening across the country, trainings, and learning opportunities.
Facing guardianship: Emerging adults in transition & the court's role
Explore the unique challenges and legal considerations emerging adults face when potentially entering the guardianship system.
