Juvenile Facts and Statistics in the US and Florida

At Project Rising Tide, we firmly believe that to effectively support at-risk, challenged, and vulnerable youth, it's crucial to understand the landscape they navigate. By examining the facts and statistics surrounding juvenile involvement in the justice system, both nationally and here in Florida, we can better tailor our programs and advocate for meaningful change.

While some trends in juvenile justice might suggest improvement, critical needs persist, demanding our continued and intensified efforts. Here's a look at recent data highlighting the ongoing challenges:

Nationally:

• Significant Racial Disparities in Incarceration: Black youth are still 4.7 times more likely to be placed in juvenile facilities compared to white youth (The Sentencing Project, 2023).

• Increase in Youth Involvement in Violent Crime: Minors accounted for 9.9% of all arrests for violent crimes in 2022, marking an increase from the previous year (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2024).

• Thousands Still Detained: Even with the decline, thousands of young people are still held in juvenile justice facilities across the country each year (The Sentencing Project, 2024).

Connection and support make all the difference. Building positive relationships that empower our youth.

Florida-Specific:

• Rising First-Time Arrests (2017-April 2023): Florida has seen a 15% increase in the number of young people entering the juvenile justice system for the first time (Armando Hernandez Law, 2023).

• Persistent Racial Disparities in Arrests (2020): Youth of color comprise nearly 67% of arrests (Armando Hernandez Law, 2023).

• High Arrest Rates in Certain Counties (2023): With some Florida counties reporting youth arrest rates as high as 34.1 per 1,000 population (Florida Department of Health, FL Health CHARTS, 2023 Data).

Why This Matters to Us:

These recent statistics continue to underscore the critical need for our work at Project Rising Tide. The persistent racial disparities demand focused efforts towards equity, and the concerning rise in first-time arrests in Florida highlights the urgency of early intervention and support systems. By staying informed with the latest data from reputable sources, we can better target our programs and advocate for effective change in the lives of at-risk youth in our community.

Understanding these challenges with current data empowers us to create more impactful solutions. Join us in making a difference.

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