T H E S Y S T E M I S D I S C R I M I N A T O R Y

Youth with marginalized identities, youth who are poor, and youth with trauma or disabilities are vastly overrepresented in the system. This means that those who need the most support often experience the most harm. For example: Race Disability

Black, Native, and Latinx youth are incarcerated at nearly 5, 3, and 1.4 times the rate of their white peers, respectively.

More than three times as many youth in custody are eligible for special education than youth in public schools.

Foster Care Mental Health

Upwards of 70% of youth in the legal system have mental illness. More than 30% of incarcerated youth have attempted suicide.

Those who spend time in foster care are 2.5 times as likely to become involved in the criminal system.

90% of youth with 5 + placements will enter the criminal system.

Survivors

Among incarcerated youth, the rate of PTSD is up to 15 times higher. More than 85 percent of incarcerated girls have experienced sexual abuse.

Gender & Sexuality

9% of all youth and >20% of incarcerated youth identify as LGBTQ. The system was originally designed for boys: it does not consider the needs of girls, GNC or queer youth.