North Dakota juvenile justice bill emphasizes services over punishment
North Dakota juvenile justice law hasn t changed much since 1969. One of the most significant changes proposed in HB 1035 is changing the term “unruly child” to “child in need of services,” as well as “deprived, neglected and abused” to “in need of protection.” It also would guarantee children the right to an attorney. 6:00 am, Feb. 21, 2021 ×
West Central Regional Juvenile Center Superintendent James O Donnell shows a classroom in the Moorhead facility, which holds juvenile inmates from Cass County, N.D. David Samson / The Forum
BISMARCK It’s easy to ask what penalties a child should face for a crime, said Lisa Bjergaard, North Dakota Division of Juvenile Services director.