The juvenile justice system is broken. Here is what actually works

Summary

This script discusses the alarming issue of youth incarceration in the U.S., highlighting how nearly 50,000 minors are detained, with a disproportionate impact on youth of color and those with disabilities. The juvenile justice system, designed to rehabilitate, often fails, leading to high recidivism rates and disrupting education. The school-to-prison pipeline exacerbates this issue, pushing young people into the justice system and limiting future opportunities. Experts advocate for rehabilitation-focused approaches that hold youth accountable while preventing negative long-term effects on education and employment.

Takeaways

• 👥 Nearly 50,000 youth under 18 are confined in facilities in the U.S., with two-thirds in correctional-style facilities.
• 📉 Youth incarceration rates have decreased over the last 20 years, but the U.S. still incarcerates more children than any other country.
• ⚖️ The U.S. juvenile justice system disproportionately affects youth of color and those with disabilities.
• 🔄 The juvenile justice system, intended for rehabilitation, often fails, with a high rate of recidivism: 71% of youth are rearrested within three years.
• 📚 Incarcerated youth often face educational challenges, with many needing special education services and being behind grade level in reading and math.
• 🎓 The school-to-prison pipeline pushes children, especially those from marginalized groups, into the justice system through school disciplinary actions.
• 🚫 Time spent in the justice system disrupts education, often leading to suspension or expulsion from school, even for innocent youth.
• 🔍 Incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education programs have a 43% lower chance of returning to prison.
• 📈 Formerly incarcerated youth are less likely to have a high school diploma and face higher unemployment rates, especially without youthful offender status.
• 🔄 Rehabilitation should be the dominant policy in juvenile justice, with alternative programs outside of prison to prevent long-term harm.

Q & A

How many youths under the age of 18 are confined in facilities in the United States on any given night?

Nearly 50,000 youths under the age of 18 are confined in facilities away from home on any given night in the United States.

What percentage of these youth are in correctional-style facilities?

Two-thirds of these youths are in correctional-style facilities.

How does the incarceration rate of youths in the United States compare to other countries?

The United States incarcerates more children than any other country in the world.

What groups of youth are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system?

Youth of color and young people with disabilities are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system.

What was the original purpose behind creating the juvenile justice system in the United States?

The juvenile justice system was created to recognize the developmental differences between children and adults, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

What percentage of individuals arrested at age 17 or younger are rearrested within three years of release?

71% of individuals arrested at age 17 or younger are rearrested within three years of their release.

How does incarceration affect a youth's access to education?

Incarceration disrupts access to education, with many incarcerated youths being behind in reading and math levels, and more than half needing special education services.

What is the 'school to prison pipeline'?

The 'school to prison pipeline' refers to the process where school discipline and criminalization lead young people into the justice system, diverting them from educational achievement.

What are the long-term effects of being incarcerated as a youth?

Long-term effects of youth incarceration include lower chances of completing education, higher unemployment rates, and the potential for a permanent criminal record.

What is the primary policy Judge Michael Corriero advocates for in prosecuting children?

Judge Michael Corriero advocates for rehabilitation rather than punitive measures when prosecuting children, to support their development and future opportunities.