The Risks Juveniles Face When They Are Incarcerated With Adults

		CENTER ON JUVENILE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE PRESS RELEASE

		www.cjcj.org

Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, 54 Dore Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Tel: (415) 621-5661 | Fax: (415) 621-5466

For Immediate Release: July, 1997

The Risks Juveniles Face When They Are Incarcerated With Adults

[View the Report]

CONTACT: Daniel Macallair
E-mail: [dmacallair@cjcj.org]
Tel: (415) 621-5661 x310

Juvenile Crime Bill Puts Teens At Risk of Rape and Suicide

Washington, DC: A new study released by the Justice Policy Institute found that proposed legislation currently pending before the United States Senate will place thousands of teenagers at risk for suicide, rape and assault by adult prisoners. The "Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Act of 1997" (S 10) -- which is scheduled to be marked up in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, July 10--would make it easier to lock young offenders up with adult prisoners.

The JPI survey analyzed data and research from around the nation and world about the cluster of risks juveniles face when mingled with adults in prisons and jails.

The survey found that juveniles incarcerated with adults are:

Eight times more likely to commit suicide in adult jails
Five times more likely to report being raped and sexually attacked
Twice as likely to report being beaten by prison staff
Fifty percent more likely to be attacked with a weapon

The JPI survey also found that the youngest inmates in adult prisons make up the "prototype" of a prison rape victim. "Clearly, the new juvenile crime bill will put thousands of kids into an environment where they face real and devastating risk," stated Jason Ziedenberg, JPI Policy Analyst.

JPI director Vincent Schiraldi called on Congressional leaders to conduct extensive research into the effects of locking kids up with adults instead of rushing headlong into juvenile justice system changes. "Congress should hold off on sweeping and ill-advised legislation until they can assess the risks young people will face to life and limb in the prison system," Schiraldi said.

The Risks Juveniles Face When They Are Incarcerated With Adults

Juvenile Crime Bill Puts Teens At Risk of Rape and Suicide

The survey found that juveniles incarcerated with adults are:

This research was funded by the Center on Crime, Communities and Culture, Public Welfare Foundation, and The Van Loben Sels Foundation.