This literature review describes the legal mechanisms by which youths can be processed and incarcerated with adults and provides the most recent data on the number of youths in adult jails and prisons.
This literature review, published by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, explains the legal context in which youths are processed and incarcerated with adults and provides the most recent data on the number of youths in adult jails and prisons. The review also provides a historical policy overview; discusses outcome evidence for relevant policies; presents the theoretical foundation for sending juveniles to the criminal justice system and incarcerating them with adults; highlights disparities in the transfer of juveniles to adult court; and discusses the impact of these practices and policies on youth. Additionally, the review identifies gaps in knowledge and data and offers suggestions for further research.