Racial Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System

Racial disparities are widening in the juvenile justice system in the U.S., with Black and American Indian children being disproportionately incarcerated compared to white children. Youth of color are treated more harshly at every stage of the justice system, from policing to detention to probation. Policies like diversion programs have helped reduce youth incarceration rates, but disparities persist due to systemic biases.