Despite almost two decades of declines in U.S. youth incarceration, a new report from The Sentencing Project reveals more than 1,800 incarcerated youth have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, including more than 300 cases in Florida and Texas. Youth Justice Under the Coronavirus: Linking Public Health Protections with the Movement for Youth Decarceration provides recommendations to slow the spread of the virus in juvenile facilities, starting with reduced use of incarceration, and provides examples of successful steps taken by states that have followed experts’ recommendations. COVID-19 cases have been reported among incarcerated youth in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. However, the true incidence of the virus is largely unknown due to a lack of testing and a lack of reporting from all facilities. The report summarizes lessons learned through the first months of the pandemic, focusing on system responses, both positive and negative, to slow the virus’s spread and to protect the safety and wellbeing of youth in the juvenile justice system while keeping the public informed. Drops in admissions during the pandemic, alongside decisions to release youth at a higher rate than during ordinary times, buttress the long-standing case that youth incarceration is largely unnecessary. Jurisdictions must limit the virus’s damage by further reducing the number of incarcerated youth. |
|
Sample Social Media Post: NEW REPORT: More than 1,800 incarcerated kids have tested positive for COVID-19. Their families are demanding change. #COVIDJustice @SentencingProj https://sent.pr/3jbYhoG |
|
