A new report from the Judiciary of Guam and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office is raising concerns about how the island’s juvenile justice system is operating and where it is falling short. KUAM News spoke with Chief Justice Robert J. Torres to break down the report and what areas need reform.

Guam’s juvenile justice system has no shortage of people trying to help youth offenders get on the right track, from judges and officers to teachers and counselors. But according to a new report, there are critical gaps in resources that need urgent reform. 

"The main takeaway from the report is that we’ve got many dedicated people and programs that serve our youth, but the system isn’t as coordinated or as consistent as it needs to be," detailed Torres. "And so, the report calls for clearer standards, stronger coordination and more modern practices across the agencies."

The Juvenile Justice Reform Collaborative reconvened in 2024 to address post-pandemic challenges and spent more than a year reviewing how juveniles move through the system. The group was co-chaired by the chief judge and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio.

His Honor continued, "We’ve found real strengths in our schools, our treatment courts and our community partners. But we also saw gaps like fragmented data sharing systems, inconsistent diversion options and barriers that make it difficult for families to access help. So this report gives us a roadmap to help fix those gaps."

One of the most pressing concerns is detention. The report says Guam lacks step-down or transitional facilities for youth offenders who can’t return home safely “due to abuse, neglect, or unstable family conditions.” As a result, some minors are confined at the Department of Youth Affairs longer than necessary. 

Other major barriers include access to transportation and identification, racial and ethnic disparities, and inconsistent data collection. 

"Many of the recommendations like clearer detention standards, expanded diversion options, a modernized family court act will help us respond more earlier and consistently," said Torres. "The report also means there’s going to be more collaboration. We’re looking for legislative change to provide better data-sharing and a unified approach to diversion, so we’re working more closely with the schools, behavioral health, and law enforcement."

He adds some of those recommendations are already being addressed. 

Guam received a State Justice Institute Grant, making it one of only five jurisdictions nationwide selected to implement these reforms, of wich Torres said, "This isn't just a report that’s going to gather dust on a shelf. We have already actually met with all the stakeholders when we released the report last week. We had technical assistance from the State Justice Institute and the National Council of State and Family Court Judges, who are going to be giving us professional assistance and training.

"So that’s going to help us really implement recommendations."

Others will require action from lawmakers and long-term funding. "When we strengthen the systems that surround the children, we strengthen our island’s long-term wellbeing. So it’s important," said the chief judge.