Adam Foss: Juvenile Justice Warrior

Adam Foss is an amazing advocate for juveniles.  As a Suffolk County (MA) prosecutor, Mr. Foss learned to listen to his young clients and came to understand the reasons why poor, and often brown or black, youths engage in criminal activity.  Interrupting the school to prison pipeline is something he recognizes that all of us can do.  Addressing the fundamental needs of poor boys and girls, such as education and self-esteem, are key.  The difficulty comes in convincing prosecutors to be invested in listening to the juveniles' stories and creating responses that assist them in escaping lives of financial and emotional poverty. Adam Foss' transformative approach to juvenile justice can lead to not only transformation of the juveniles but of the prosecutors, as well.

Mr. Foss' website, prosecutorimpact.com, emphasizes those benefits when prosecutors have a broader vision of how justice is accomplished.  Prosecutors need to embrace a paradigm shift from conviction being considered the only "win".  According to Mr. Foss, a win includes:

                Improved community safety

                Repaired harm of the victims

                Improved long-term community health

                Hold those who commit crimes accountable in ways that increase their chances for success in the community.

The last element gives essential support to the first three. 

Here is link to Mr. Foss' Ted Talk.