In this report, written by Richard Mendel March 2023, he discusses that the US relies on incarcerating youth too often rather than addressing the causes of youth delinquency and crime.
In short he states, ” [The US] does so despite overwhelming evidence showing that incarceration is an ineffective strategy for steering youth away from delinquent behavior and that high rates of youth incarceration do not improve public safety. Incarceration harms young people’s physical and mental health, impedes their educational and career success, and often exposes them to abuse. And the use of confinement is plagued by severe racial and ethnic disparities. 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.”
House-Raising’s goal is to hold youth accountable while accomplishing two main things: explore and connect appropriate resources to address the underlying causes of delinquent and criminal behavior and to create pathways of positive opportunity that lead a youth away from delinquent and criminal activity.
Please consider taking a look at Richard’s entire report as he provides great context and solutions to addressing youth incarceration.