04/05/18
Bench Card
In partnership with the National Juvenile Defender Center, the NCJFCJ has released this information card for judges in juvenile courts. Judges are uniquely positioned to eliminate the harms and hardships caused by the imposition of bail, fees, fines, costs, and restitution orders in court. This bench card illustrates some of the detrimental impacts of financial assessments and obligations upon youth and their families, and provides guidance for judges on how to exercise their discretion to alleviate harm and support youth on pathways to success.