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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Report: MS youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

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Wednesday, August 28, 2024   

A new report shows the rate of juvenile crime continues to fall, but disparities remain in Mississippi and nationwide.

The Sentencing Project report showed between 2000 and 2022, there was a 75% decline in youth incarceration around the country.

Josh Rovner, director of youth justice for The Sentencing Project and co-author of the study, said the decrease in youth incarceration may be linked to improved well-being and increased supervision.

"I think that states made some very good decisions to limit the use of detention, pretrial and commitment, post-trial for kids in the youth justice system," Rovner asserted. "We also moved a lot of kids out of the adult system by raising the age in about 10 states."

The report found the Magnolia State 2021 placement rate for detained and committed youths was the 17th-lowest in the nation. In Mississippi, criminal offenses such as murder or armed robbery can lead to life imprisonment. Juveniles over 13 charged with such crimes are tried as adults.

Rovner pointed out incarceration often leads to poor outcomes for young people, as it removes them from their homes, separating them from their peers and parental support. He added individuals with past involvement in the criminal justice system who provide direct support, known as the credible messenger mentoring model, is a valuable alternative to incarceration.

"We also see really successful results with therapy programs such as multisystemic therapy and Functional Family Therapy," Rovner outlined. "That really gets to the root of the offending and what's going on, and in the case of Functional Family Therapy involving the whole family, to deal with the stresses that may be causing this misbehavior."

Rovner emphasized the importance of restorative justice interventions in integrating youth back into their communities and reducing involvement in the justice system. He also pointed out the overrepresentation of young people of color in the system and the disparity in referrals to diversion programs.


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