A supportive, nurturing environment is the solid foundation on which a successful future is built. Children and youth who have been abused or neglected have a faulty foundation and a compromised sense of safety and security. The insecurity and trauma experienced by children who have been maltreated can manifest in maladaptive behaviors and inappropriate responses to stress and adversity. Too often, this means youth with a history of abuse or neglect become involved with the juvenile justice system. This brief is intended to serve as an introduction to dual-status youth and the system reforms needed to better server this vulnerable population.
Testimony: End Juvenile Life Without Parole in Wisconsin
Kids Forward supports SB801/AB845, which would eliminate juvenile life without parole. This critical advancement towards a more developmentally appropriate juvenile justice system will reduce and repair harm, decrease racial disparities, increase child and family wellbeing, and increase opportunities for community-based alternatives to incarceration.
