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.
Explained: End Juvenile Life Without Parole in Wisconsin
Wisconsin relies far too much on incarceration and blames children for system-wide failures. Instead of incarceration, a better investment for Wisconsin’s youth is in basic needs such as health, housing, and employment. Wisconsin should reimagine a community-based continuum of care grounded in youth voice, emerging adult research, and cross-system collaboration.
