Stand on the Shoulders
The data behind everything we say. These are the researchers and reports we rely on to tell the truth about the juvenile justice system — and to make the case for changing it.
Research & Statistics
06 SOURCES
The authoritative annual report on U.S. juvenile court caseloads. 653,800 delinquency cases handled in 2023 — the source for every “1,800 kids per day” stat used across the youth-justice field.
National research nonprofit. Tracks racial disparities, incarceration trends, and reform recommendations. The 2025 brief documents the first consecutive annual increase in youth incarceration since 2000.
The foundational economics paper proving juvenile incarceration causally reduces high school completion and increases adult incarceration. Cited in nearly every modern youth-justice reform argument.
Documents the true cost of youth confinement: $588 per day, $214,620 per year per child, on average — with some states spending over $500,000 annually per youth.
Bipartisan coalition of police chiefs, sheriffs, and prosecutors. Their 2024 report shows that punitive juvenile justice undermines healthy adolescent development and increases — not reduces — future crime.
National campaign of 180+ organizations working to end youth incarceration entirely. Tracks state-by-state facility closures and provides organizing tools for community-based alternatives.