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Statement by Shay Bilchik on Release of Report on Latino and Latina Youth in the U.S. Justice System
7/18/2002
Washington, DC - ¿Dónde Está la Justicia? A Call to Action on Behalf of the Latino and Latina Youth in the U. S. Justice System, a comprehensive new report commissioned by the Building Blocks for Youth initiative, gives us for the first time, a detailed national look at the status of Latino and Latina youth in the juvenile justice system.
The report indicates a disproportionate representation of Latino/a youth in the juvenile justice system when similar offenses are considered and is, therefore, cause for great concern because there could be implications in the way services are provided in other systems, such as child welfare.
The report highlights the glaring need for good, accurate data collection and for more culturally sensitive programs that show promising approaches to serving this population. Programs that help agencies overcome language and cultural barriers in particular, need to be utilized when assessing the needs of Latino/a youth.
We strongly urge policymakers and public officials to give strong consideration to the recommendations included in this report.
For a copy of the executive summary and full report visit www.buildingblocksforyouth.org
Established in 1920, the Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. Headquartered in Washington, DC, CWLA strives to advance sound public policy on behalf of the more than three million abused, neglected, and vulnerable children served by its 1,182 public and private member agencies.
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