LET THE SUNSHINE IN Open the Doors to Closed Juvenile Sessions.

This article advocates for the opening of closed juvenile court sessions to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the justice system. It emphasizes the significant impact that juvenile and family courts have on the lives of young people, including determining whether they are tried as juveniles or adults and potentially resulting in life sentences or the termination of parental rights. The article stresses the importance of public understanding and the constitutional right of children and families to have their cases fairly adjudicated. It also discusses the historical context of closed sessions and the growing movement towards greater openness in some states. The text highlights the need for transparency in cases involving child protection, citing a recent case in Massachusetts where a child died after being placed by a juvenile court judge, sparking discussions about court practices and the role of child protection agencies. The article argues against reactive responses, such as removing children from their homes, and calls for a public health approach that provides resources and support to families. The author, a retired juvenile court judge, advocates for opening court sessions to promote accountability and understanding of the challenges faced by children and families. [Extracted from the article]