Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System
PLAYGROUND TO PRISON Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System Every year in the United States, an estimated 250,000 YOUTH are tried, sentenced, or incarcerated AS ADULTS. Most without a judge's decision or a judicial hearing 95% are charged with non-violent offenses PUBLIC OPINION Americans favor case-by-case determinations by juvenile court judges rather than automatic prosecution in adult criminal court. In 23 states, children as young as 7 YEARS OLD can be prosecuted and tried in ADULT COURT. Americans favor setting a minimum age at which a youth 2 OF 3 can be prosecuted in adult court. On any given night, 10,000 CHILDREN are held in adult jails and prisons with more than 3 out of 4 awaiting triat. Americans favor keeping youth awaiting trial in youth facilities instead of adult jails. OPINION In adult facilities, youth are frequently locked down 23 HOURS A DAY in small cells "for their own protection" with no natural light and with virtually no educational opportunities. Americans favor rehabilitation and treatment approaches, such as 9 oF 10 counseling, education, restitution and community services. PUBLIC These services are not available to youth in the adult criminal justice system. AAMAAAMA African-American youth are Latino youth are 9 TIMES 4 TIMES more likely than white youth to receive an adult prison sentence for the same crime. Americans support requiring the juvenile justice system to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the system. PUBLIC OPINION Youth sentenced as adults receive an ADULT CRIMINAL RECORD. They are often denied employment and educational opportunities and can be barred from receiving student financial aid. 2 QUT A Americans believe that most youth who commit crimes are capable of positive growth and have the potential to change PUBLIC OPINION CAMPAIGN FOR YOUTH 1JUSTICE TAKE ACTION www.campaignforyouthjustice.org
Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System
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