Youth Justice in the United States: Rollbacks & the Fight for Reform

Over the past two decades, the U.S. cut youth incarceration by 75%, replacing punishment with community-based programs, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care that improved both public safety and young lives. But this hard-won progress is now at risk. 

Despite youth crime remaining near historic lows, policymakers across the country are pushing rollbacks — expanding detention, building new facilities, and prosecuting more children as adults. This issue brief explores the impacts of these rollbacks and recommends reforms that prioritize young people's growth and well-being and hold systems accountable. It also includes specific calls to action for policymakers, advocates, philanthropic entities, and members of the news media.