Following research showing that solitary confinement is psychologically damaging, especially to youth, a growing number of juvenile correctional agencies across the country are shifting away from the practice.
Not surprisingly, solitary confinement has been tied to depression, paranoia, psychosis and even suicide. People with mental health issues are particularly vulnerable, and typically a large percentage of youth that find themselves in juvenile custody have at least one mental health diagnosis.
As part of this new approach, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, has recently taken drastic steps to reduce the time their young offenders spend in isolation. Previously, youth at Illinois juvenile correction facilities spent an average of 50 hours in solitary confinement - now that number is down to just under 5 hours.
All too often, kids spend time in solitary confinement for 30 days or even months, which does little for their overall well-being. Reducing the use of solitary confinement it is a move in the right direction according to researchers, whose studies indicate that agencies that have eliminated or significantly cut the use of solitary are not only safer for staff and for youths, but also present with better outcomes for youth in general.
Our Waukesha juvenile law attorneys have earned an excellent reputation among juvenile court judges and Wisconsin legal professionals for our integrity and passionate efforts to protect the legal rights of youth with an eye on their future. In fact, the Waukesha county prosecutors office knows that we will not stand by and let them destroy a young person’s life because of a minor’s single mistake.
In cases where a youthful offender has been found guilty of a crime in Wisconsin leading to the establishment of a criminal record, juveniles that were convicted under the age of 18 and young people who have committed crimes when they were under the age of 25, may be able to have their criminal records cleared. To have a criminal conviction erased through the expungement (expunction) process, we will file a petition with the court. Our experienced Juvenile law attorneys have helped many juveniles get their records expunged.
Waukesha Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers
If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, anywhere in southeastern Wisconsin, or if you think a criminal charge is imminent, contact our law offices at 262-542-3900 immediately for a free and confidential consultation.
