NCJ Number
239859
Date Published
September 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an overview of findings from recent adolescent brain research and suggests how youth advocates can use these findings to inform their reform efforts.
Abstract
In recent years, brain imagery such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has enabled researchers to observe the physical changes that occur in the brain. Such research has found that during adolescence, several areas of the brain are still developing. New studies have explored brain functioning. i.e., which parts of the brain are involved in particular kinds of thinking and activities. This research has revealed differences in the ways that adolescents and adults use their brains. When adolescents make choices that involve risk, they do not engage in higher thinking and decision-and-reward areas of the brain as much as adults. This can lead adolescents to overstate rewards without fully assessing the long-term consequences or risks involved in a situation. One of the benefits of this research is that it gives advocates and attorneys working on behalf of juveniles scientific proof for their claims that children are different from adults, are capable of change, and need support and opportunities for healthy development. It is important, however, that when making the case for age-appropriate treatment that the concepts of opportunity, investment, and education provide a means to frame and use this research respectfully and effectively. Related to the concepts of opportunity, investment, and education is the principle of positive youth development, which is supported by the findings of brain research. Positive youth development emphasizes youths' strengths, connects youth with caring adults, empowers youth to assume leadership roles, promotes positive relationships with peers, and challenges youth in ways that build competence and provide opportunities for youth to learn healthy behaviors. 6 suggestions for further reading and 9 notes