Adolescent Incarceration

Abstract

Abstract Adolescence is a period marked by heightened risk taking, including illegal behaviors. In response to such behaviors, thousands of adolescents around the world are held in custodial facilities every year. This chapter considers whether incarceration is an appropriate response to adolescent offending. Through a review of the literature, the chapter discusses past and present incarceration trends and examines the impacts of incarceration on recidivism, family and peer relationships, mental and physical health, psychosocial development, and victimization while in custody. It also highlights an overrepresentation of diverse groups within the justice system, including adolescents of color as well as adolescents who are transgender, gender nonconforming, and sexual minorities. Ultimately, although the quality of research is variable, the breadth of current research suggests that incarceration not only fails to reduce recidivism but also is linked to a number of additional adverse impacts. The chapter concludes by presenting strategies and initiatives aimed to reduce the incarceration of adolescents.