American Academy of Nursing expert panel consensus statement on inequities in the juvenile justice system rooted in systemic and structural racism

The overrepresentation of youth of color has long been acknowledged and accepted in juvenile justice and legal systems. Many risk factors contribute to the detention and incarceration of youth; however, there is little evidence to explain how structural inequities and systemic racism add to that vulnerability. Historically, laws were passed to benefit the White society and resulted in out-comes that caused grave aftereffects for people of color and in some cases, eth-nic minorities. Within the context of juvenile justice and the lens of critical race theory, the authors of this paper seek to illuminate selected historical educa-tional, environmental, legal, and health care policies, practices, and decisions that led to their detrimental consequences. Recommendations for mitigating both intended (through law, funding, policies) and the unintended barriers as experienced by youth of color are presented.

Automated summary

This paper aims to shed light on the influence of structural inequities and systemic racism on the overrepresentation of youth of color in the juvenile justice system. By investigating historical educational, environmental, legal, and health care policies, the authors examine the consequences faced by youth of color. Recommendations are provided to address both intended and unintended barriers that hinder the progress of youth of color.