Juvenile Justice Archives - National Wraparound Initiative (NWI)
Why Youth Incarceration Fails: Evidence Review
July 23, 2023 | NWI
This publication summarizes the evidence documenting the serious problems associated with the youth justice system’s continuing heavy reliance on incarceration and makes recommendations for reducing the use of confinement. It details how the harms of incarceration fall disproportionately on Black youth and other youth of color – despite well-established alternatives that produce better outcomes for youth and community safety.
Youth Incarceration in the United States
February 24, 2022 | NWI
This infographic from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that public agencies made enormous progress reducing youth incarceration between 1995 and 2019, reflecting the deep declines in juvenile arrests over the same period. However, some harmful practices remained stubbornly entrenched, such as an overreliance on incarceration once youth are referred to the juvenile justice system, especially for Black and Native American youth.
Preventing Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Involvement
September 12, 2021 | NWI
This report explores a variety of approaches to prevention, hoping to promote “upstream” efforts and work across systems and in partnership with youth, families and communities in a new and impactful manner.
Study Finds Psychiatric Disorders Persist 15 Years After Youth Are Detained
April 18, 2021 | NWI
A new study shows that youth arrested as juveniles with psychiatric disorders that remain untreated continue to struggle with mental health and successful outcomes well beyond adolescence. The research shows nearly two-thirds of males and more than one-third of females with one or more existing psychiatric disorders when they entered detention still had a disorder 15 years later.
Racial Disparities in Youth Incarceration Persist
March 15, 2021 | NWI
In an era of declining youth incarceration, Black and American Indian youth are still overwhelmingly more likely to be held in custody than their white peers.
Diversion more effective than detention for youth in juvenile justice
February 8, 2021 | Maria Hermsen-Kritz
A new study from Case Western University shows that Ohio’s diversion system is producing better outcomes for youth with behavioral issues than punishment.
Inside Utah’s Troubled Teen Industry
December 2, 2020 | NWI
This investigative report from the Salt Lake Tribune details experiences of young people housed in residential treatment facilities across Utah.
Juvenile justice system can better serve children with autism
August 3, 2020 | Maria Hermsen-Kritz
The author of a new book writes about how the juvenile justice system can better support young people on the autism spectrum.
Read more here»
AAP outlines needs of youths in justice system including during pandemic
May 7, 2020 | Maria Hermsen-Kritz
New guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on “Responding to the Needs of Youth Involved With the Justice System During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
Read here»
Report: Justice-involved youth experience mental and psychological challenges
March 9, 2020 | Maria Hermsen-Kritz
This article covers new research on the intersections of juvenile justice involvement and mental health.