A new report by the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health found that there are still alarming racial disparities in regards to youths in the justice system.
While Wisconsin has made progress in reducing the number of children in a youth correctional facility, there are still improvements to be made.
Here are a few of the findings from the report:
- Wisconsin ranks 2nd in the nation for having the highest Black to White disparity rate
- Black youth are 15 times more likely to be sent to a youth correctional facility
- 100% of girls and 72% of boys in youth corrections facilities had a mental health issue in January 2020
- In January 2021, Wisconsin will be one of only 3 states that sends 17-year-olds to adult prison
The report suggests solutions are:
- Communities can address the mental health needs of youth and increase after school activities
- Schools can keep kids in school
- Policymakers can continue to invest in community-based services and return 17-year-olds to the youth justice system so they receive mental health treatment
To see the complete fact sheet click here.
