|
What is Kansans United for Youth Justice?
Kansans United for Youth Justice is a grassroots coalition dedicated to decarceration of kids and investment in local, community-based programs and services. The coalition came together in 2015 to advocate for juvenile justice system reform. There's an overwhelming body of research that demonstrates using detention and correctional facilities as a primary response for youths' delinquent behavior produces poor outcomes at high costs. Research and practical experience established an evidence-based foundation policymakers and system agency leaders can use to allocate resources more efficiently and reduce recidivism. In 2016, KUYJ's work culminated in the passage of Senate Bill 367, which focused on reducing the number of youth in out-of-home placements, embracing best practices for supervising youth in the juvenile justice system, and investing in evidence-based, community-centered alternatives to youth incarceration. |
Youth incarceration harms kids and doesn't work. Kansas is moving in a better direction. |
|
Year SB 367 Passed:
2016 |
Decrease in youth in KDOC custody since 2015:
87.3% |
Community Reinvestment:
$30M |