DOJ Guidance on Enforcement of Fines and Fees

The Department of Justice has released a package of resources to assist efforts to reform harmful and unlawful practices related to the assessment and enforcement of fines and fees.  The resources include a Dear Colleague letter, a resource guide, a grant program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance focused on the development of strategies that promote appropriate justice system responses, including reducing unnecessary confinement, for individuals who are unable to pay fines and fees and support for the National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices.  The assessment of fines and fees on vulnerable youth who are unable to pay can be very damaging and impact the future of youth in many unintended ways.

_{Cathy Krebs is the committee manager of the Children's Rights Litigation Committee at the ABA Section of Litigation in Washington, D.C.}

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