juvenile justice

Kansas created an evidence-based fund to help minors avoid the criminal justice system. With some community groups struggling to access the money, lawmakers are looking to make more changes.

Youth are being blamed of an increase in property crimes in Kansas City, and the Jackson County Family Court confirmed they've experienced a rise in the number of case referrals. But officials add that putting a person in jail isn't easy, and for youth, it's not always the best solution.

Two teens charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Shaun Brady will face December hearings on whether they will face trials as adults. A Jackson County Family Court judge Wednesday ordered both boys to stay in lock-up.

In the final few minutes of a Kansas City Board of Police meeting where juvenile crime and juvenile victims dominated the discussions, Mayor Quinton Lucas teared up and left before the meeting ended.

Several Kansas City communities are calling on police to do more about crime, amid an ongoing spike in car thefts. Graves says more severe consequences are necessary, and having more space to house city detainees could help.

Police Chief Stacey Graves said she is frustrated that many teens charged with violent crimes don't face stiffer consequences. She made suggestions to juvenile court authorities.

The juveniles were charged in Jackson County Family Court with two felonies, including second-degree murder, for the fatal shooting of the beloved Irish restaurant owner. Both suspects remain in detention.

Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker says her office charges about 80% of the cases it receives from the Kansas City Police Department, including property crimes. But she told KCUR's Up To Date it will take more than prosecution to solve the greater issue of crime in Kansas City.

Johnson County will have 11 youth crisis stabilization beds. Only a handful of counties offer similar services.

The teen described himself as a good kid before he became associated with a group of peers involved in the deadly Feb. 14 shooting at the Super Bowl victory parade. A commitment at the state Department of Youth Services facility typically lasts 9 to 12 months.

The 16-year-old, known only as “A.M.” in court documents, claims self defense in the shootings that killed one woman and injured 24 other people. A Jackson County Family Court judge ruled that he will not be tried as an adult.

Missouri prosecutors could charge more minors as adults under changes proposed by Attorney General Andrew Bailey. “We're not doing these youth any favors by turning a blind eye to violent crime," Bailey says.