State legislatures and courts across the country also are re-examining the practice of placing juveniles in solitary confinement and shackling youth during court appearances without first assessing each juvenile's individual behavior.
On Jan. 26, 2016, President Barack Obama announced a ban on solitary confinement for juvenile offenders in the federal prison system.
Solitary Confinement
Solitary confinement, or “seclusion,” is the most extreme form of isolation in a detention setting and can include physical and social isolation in a cell for 22 to 24 hours per day. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry says solitary confinement of juveniles can lead to depression, anxiety and even psychosis. In recent years, seven states have passed laws that limit or prohibit the use of solitary confinement for youth in detention facilities. For example, Connecticut law states that no child at any time shall be held in solitary confinement, but “seclusion” may be used periodically if authorized and the young person is checked every thirty minutes. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have enacted statutes that limit or prohibit so solitary confinement while other states have limited its use through administrative code, policy or court rules.
Use of Shackles at Court Appearances
Laws, court decisions or rules in 33 states and the District of Columbia prohibit the use of unnecessary restraints, like shackles, at court appearances.