More openness

Missouri's juvenile-justice system has been a model for other states for many years. Juvenile courts and the state's Division of Youth Services continue to render, for the most part, positive outcomes aimed at the best interests of minors and the rehabilitation of youthful offenders rather than the merry-go-round of recidivism.

For the most part, much of what happens within the juvenile justice system has been conducted out of the public's view. Juvenile judges, juvenile officers, social workers and others involved in the system have argued for closed court sessions and closed records as a way of protecting youths. Some news organizations, including the Southeast Missourian, have urged more openness in juvenile proceedings, particularly in cases where minors commit serious crimes and when the safety of some children is at stake in cases of alleged abuse.

With recent changes, some juvenile criminal proceedings are automatically open to the public. It's still up to the court system to decide on a case-by-case basis when minors accused of crimes like murder are to be tried as adults.

Effective July 1, another area of juvenile justice has an opportunity for more public scrutiny. The Missouri Legislature last year adopted what is known as the Dominic James Memorial Foster Care Reform Act. Dominic James was a 2-year-old who died while in foster care in Springfield, Mo. Legislators were convinced that the youngster's life might have been spared if there had been more public involvement in his sad case.

The new law allows for public hearings in cases where the termination of parental rights is involved. But judges still have discretion to decide when that is appropriate.

Regardless of how competent any system is, the fact that much of that system's work is done behind closed doors always raises the possibility of cases like the one involving Dominic James. Public scrutiny is a cornerstone of governmental accountability. The move to make more juvenile proceedings open to the public is good.