Research shows that emerging adults share many of the same characteristics of their younger peers, with "risk-taking" being a hallmark. But during this distinct developmental period, youth are particularly malleable and responsive to positive relationships and experiences. The vast majority of emerging adults will mature and desist from crime, irrespective of the level of the offense. This report focuses on ways that YOS can support this maturation process and avoid the major harms caused to youth convicted and sentenced in the adult criminal legal system. As the report notes, some of the current features of YOS are ineffective, harmful, and run counter to research.
