Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Youth Incarceration
Black, Latino, and Tribal youth face alarming rates of confinement
New fact sheets show state-by-state youth incarceration rates by race and ethnicity, revealing a disturbing resurgence in youth incarceration and widening racial disparities as of 2023.
Key Publications
Building Momentum for Reform
This year, many states considered proposals to roll back reforms in youth justice and some actually brought those to fruition. Learn how The Sentencing Project will continue working relentlessly with our partners to advance youth justice in their jurisdictions
“We are not ex-cons, we are not felons, we’re not inmates, we’re people that have a way to give back.”
Advocating for Youth: Damon Walker
Drawing from his experience with the criminal legal system as a teenager, Damon Walker works to give other youth the chance he received – advocating for alternatives to incarceration that offer youth education, structure, and purpose.
Amicus Brief in The People of New York against Errick Guerrero
The Sentencing Project, joining with state and national partners, filed an amicus brief to ensure that youth in New York State can only be transferred to adult court under extraordinary circumstances, as prescribed by that state’s 2017 Raise the Age law.
From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession
Reducing gun violence should be an urgent priority in the United States. However, imposing harsh consequences for all adolescent gun possession cases harms urban youth of color disproportionately without benefits for community safety. Other approaches to reducing gun violence – such as local gun violence interruption efforts – are far more equitable and effective. The Sentencing Project hosted a webinar highlighting the importance of improving justice system responses to youth gun possession.
Stand up for youth justice
Your help powers The Sentencing Project’s critical research and advocacy work. Together, we can fight against systemic racial and ethnic injustices in our country.
