In a report issued on June 18, Wisconsin is highlighted as one of The Comeback States based on a higher than average rate of decline in the number of youth held in secure confinement facilities without increases in youth crime.  Published jointly by the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice and the National Juvenile Justice Network, the report notes that Wisconsin’s decline from 2001 to 2010 was 43%, higher than the national average of 39%.

Importantly, the report includes lots of information and ideas about effective practices with youth and notes Wisconsin’s efforts, by counties and the state, to reduce youth confinement.  In a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online post, I noted that progress has been made and that we need to continue to be smart about preventing and responding to youthful offenders.   by Jim Moeser