Center for American Progress

Keywords: School-To-Prison; Juvenile Justice; Youth Experiences

Research shows that gay and transgender youth entering the juvenile justice system are twice as likely than other youth to have experienced family conflict, child abuse, and homelessness; 26 percent report leaving their homes at some point, most often being forced out by their parents. However, foster care, health centers, and other youth-serving institutions are often unsafe for gay and transgender youth due to institutional prejudice, lack of provider and foster-parent training, and discrimination. This report provides recommendations for addressing this situation, such as family centered intervention and improved training for juvenile justice personnel. [Summary adapted from National Criminal Justice Reference Service resource description.] 

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The Unfair Criminalization of Gay and Transgender Youth: An Overview of the Experiences of LGBT Youth in the Juvenile Justice System