Statement on the Trump Administration's “Zero Tolerance” Policy and Family Detention

WASHINGTON (June 22, 2018) – Today, the National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition (NJJDPC) released a statement calling for an immediate end to the Trump administration’s policy of “zero tolerance” and incarcerating immigrant youth and families.

“Unfortunately, these policies carry forward a long and ugly history in the United States of treating people of color inhumanely,” says Sarah Breyer, NJJDPC Steering Committee Member and President and Executive Director of the National Juvenile Justice Network. “This is not the first time that we have separated children of color from their families and institutionalized them 'for their own good' and when they pose no public safety threat. It's past time that we stopped these practices.”

“Detention is not the answer for children and families, especially as a response to those families who come to the U.S. seeking refuge. We have known for years that incarceration exacerbates trauma and stress, and that it has no positive benefits. Children and families belong in the community where they can receive supports and resume normal daily activities,” says Marcy Mistrett, NJJDPC Steering Committee Member and Chief Executive Officer of the Campaign for Youth Justice.

For the full statement, please see below and for additional information on NJJDPC, go to www.promotesafecommunities.org.