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Black Youth in Wisconsin Make Up a Disproportionate Percentage of Incarcerated Young People

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Black youth make up 10 percent of the population in Wisocnsin but 70 percent of incarcerated youth.

Across the country and in Wisconsin, the number of youth being held in state run detention facilities is on the decline, according to a study released by Youth First and Urban Institute.

Between 2005 and 2014, the average daily population at Wisconsin run juvenile correction facilities fell by 52 percent. While the numbers are improving, African American youth are disproportionately impacted, making up 70 percent of the population in Wisconsin’s juvenile detention centers.

Black youth only make up around 10 percent of Wisconsin’s population. According to the study, just over 40 percent of incarcerated youth have a history of special education needs.

LaToya was a reporter with WUWM from 2006 to 2021.
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