From the preface: "The issues around which the juvenile justice system is centered frequently evoke anger and impatience. These emotions arise because the issues are so important and movement concerning the same issues seems nonexistent. The persons who are involved with those same issues, however, elicit respect and, often, affection. The Executive Sessions of the Kennedy School of Government combine the two elements - issues and persons - with the stated goal of advancing fruitful and effective public policy. The Executive Session on the Future of the Juvenile Justice System regularly brought to the same table, over a period of almost two years, persons who understand the issues well, who are professionally and personally invested in certain positions on the issues, and who were willing to engage themselves fully in the exchange of ideas, both theoretical and practical, which an Executive Session demands. This book is one of the products of that process. The editor, who chaired the meetings of the Session, takes certain positions regarding the future of the juvenile justice system and what the system should look like ten years from now." 1