LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A new report released by Kentucky Youth Advocates shows the number of juveniles being incarcerated for non-criminal offenses is declining.
Even so, a statement from the organization says Kentucky still has one of the highest rates in the nation for putting children behind bars for status offenses such as running away or skipping school. It recommends that officials continue to shift to more effective alternatives than incarcerations that also would hold youth accountable for their actions.
According to the report, which was released Tuesday, youth incarcerations for status offenses decreased by 41 percent from 2007 to 2011. The report attributed the drop to various measures, including increased community awareness about the high cost and ineffectiveness of incarcerations, the leadership of judges, and the work of advocates.