The AAP advocates for community-based alternatives to incarceration that keep young people in their communities and out of secure confinement.
These videos describe the impact of the juvenile justice system on kids’ health, explain the science behind the brain’s development and the connection to system involvement, and how pediatricians can delve deeper into kids’ lives and address the root causes of a criminal identity.
Research shows that the vast majority of justice-involved youth have experienced at least one form of childhood trauma, and contact with the juvenile justice system has been linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood. The system is also plagued by racial disparities, with youth of color comprising a disproportionate number of justice-involved youth. Juvenile justice reform efforts that invest in youth and their communities are critical to creating a system that is more appropriate for the developmental needs of children and adolescents.
Policy Brief: Ensuring Youths' Access to Medicaid to Support Healthy Reentry after Incarceration
With new changes to federal Medicaid law that took ef fect Jan. 1, 2025, states have a valuable opportunity to reduce costs and improve health outcomes for youth involved in the justice system. This brief outlines the new changes and key opportunities for state policymakers to act.
Fact Sheet: Protect Children, Reform the Juvenile Justice System
A fact sheet for policymakers and advocates that outlines key statistics and calls to action for justice-involved youth.
Additional Resources
Responding to the Needs of Youth Involved With the Justice System During the COVID-19 Pandemic
AAP COVID-19 Interim Guidance
Health Groups Call for Minimum Age of Jurisdiction
AAP and other health groups collectively endorse action to institute a minimum age of at least 12 years for juvenile justice system jurisdiction.