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.
Key Points
- Black children nearly six times more likely to be incarcerated than white children
- American Indian children nearly four times more likely to be incarcerated
- Youth of color not given the same leniency or common-sense responses as white youth
- Disparities exist in policing, diversion programs, detention, and probation
Pros
- Reduced youth incarceration rates from 2000 to 2022
- Policies like diversion programs have helped decrease youth detention population
Cons
- Racial disparities in treatment of youth of color compared to white youth
- Children of color disproportionately held in custody and for longer periods