Wisconsin’s juvenile justice system disproportionately ensnares youth of color, hindering their ability to grow and flourish. A new report released by Race to Equity reveals that while incarceration rates may have declined, racial inequities within this system have vastly expanded.

Racial bias and inequitable policies have led to a juvenile justice system that continues to fail to address the needs of African American, Native American, and Latinx youth of color. The burden of frequent contact within this system harms our communities by only further traumatizing youth and negatively impacting brain development.

Wisconsin must critically reframe its approach to juvenile justice if it seeks to end these racial disparities. This report recommends reforms with an interdisciplinary approach that integrates concepts of public health, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care for these youths.

The closing of Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls indicates a changing landscape of our juvenile justice system and provides a significant opportunity to change our system. Wisconsin can sustain this progress by studying other state models and re-allocating funding towards trauma-informed rehabilitation rather than punitive punishment. For more recommendations, read the full report here.