Topic: Young Adults

Issue Brief

Incarceration Trends Young Adults August 1, 2019

Young Adults in the Justice System: The Legislative Primer Series for Front-End Justice

National Conference of State Legislatures

These reports are part of a series that explores policies that affect the front end of the criminal justice system. Each brief looks at who is entering the “front door” of the criminal justice system and gives examples of legislation, national initiatives, best practices, promising programs and key research on timely issues. The series provides legislatures with the tools they need to consider cost-effective policies that protect public safety. This report examines young adults’ (age 18-24) overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. Emerging research is shedding light on the distinct developmental and behavioral health needs of this age group. The report looks at innovative justice-system responses used by jurisdictions to redirect the trajectory for justice-involved young adults. Legislators will find tools to assist them in identifying specific young adult needs in their jurisdictions and to advance informed policy responses effective in helping this age group.

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Research Report

Data Analysis Incarceration Trends Racial and Ethnic Disparities Young Adults March 15, 2017

Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2017

Prison Policy Initiative

Correctional facilities in the United States confine 2.3 million people, according to this report from the Prison Policy Initiative that seeks to provide clarity about the nation's systems of confinement. Supported by the Safety and Justice Challenge, the report answers the essential questions of how many people are locked up, where, and why. The report also states that the bulk of incarceration flows from policy choices made at the state and local level. Among other findings, it reveals that 99 percent of jail growth over the last 15 years was in the detention of people who are presumed innocent.  

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