The walls are deliberate and high

  • In California, 70% of young adults in state prisons arepeople of color, despite making up only 25% of the overall population.

  • 30-50% of homeless youth aged 18-24 were formerly in thefoster care system.

  • 60%of California youth in juvenile detention were also involved with theDepartment of Social Services (foster care)

  • Youth age out of foster care and enterthe adult justice system at age 18 while their brains are developing until age25

  • 43% of women and 74% of men who age out of the foster care system in the UnitedStates will be incarcerated at least once in their lifetimes

  • Only 50% of youth in foster care finish high school and only2-9% graduate with a four-year degree

  • 58%of young adults who age out of foster care are unemployed

  • 13.5%  Detention is a stronger predictor of recidivismthan gang involvement; youth committed to detention are 13.5 times more likelyto return to the juvenile justice system

The Issue:

Emerging Adult Justice

The Compounding Problem:

  • Youth aged 18 and older are processed in adult court, despite research showing that brain developmentcontinues until age 25.

  • This practice disproportionately affects youth of color and those lacking family support, such ashomeless or foster youth.

  • An adult criminal record and time spent in adult jail create lasting consequences that can hinderopportunities and disrupt futures.

The challenge:

Emerging Adult Justice

The Growing Concern:

Our proposal: help keep youth out of jail

We need more diversion programs and alternative pathways to prevent youth from being drawn into
the criminal justice system. For those already involved, emerging adults aged 18-20 should be shifted
from the adult justice system to the juvenile system, which is better suited to their developmental stage.
Although the juvenile system has its imperfections, it provides accountability alongside critical resources
such as educational programs, lower rates of reoffending, and the ability to avoid an adult criminal
record that could restrict access to jobs or housing.

Check Out the Facts