Recent News on Juvenile Detention

One important issue closely connected to the child welfare system is the "cradle to prison pipeline." A large body of research has demonstrated that African American children, especially boys, are more likely to end up in juvenile detention or adult incarceration due to factors such as being more likely to be suspended in school, the increased presence of law enforcement in schools, criminalization of behaviors such as truancy and fighting, harsher sentencing, being more likely to be tried as an adult, etc... This process can start as early as preschool. 

A recent article details how this plays out in Memphis and references an important investigation into the juvenile justice system there. Unfortunately, this is not just an issue in Memphis: New Orleans and Mississippi have also been in the news. But lest you think this is a southern problem, check out stories and statistics from New York City, Iowa, Los Angeles, Spokane, and St. Louis. 

Several recent books and reports by national organizations such as the ACLU, The National Education Association and the Children's Defense Fund have also brought attention to the issue.