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.
Youth Justice: Providing Wisconsin Children and Families with a Clear Path to a New Model
Systemic racism and ongoing forms of injustice play a crucial role in youth of color being over-represented at all points of contact within the criminal legal system — from policing to courts to incarceration.
