What risk do juveniles face when housed in adult prisons?

Juveniles housed in adult prisons face a significantly higher chance of being physically assaulted. This increased risk stems from the harsh realities of adult facilities, where the environment is often more violent and dangerous compared to juvenile detention centers. Adolescents, who are typically smaller and less physically mature than the adult population, can become easy targets for predatory behavior from adult inmates. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the emotional and developmental differences between juveniles and adults, making it challenging for young people to navigate the complexities of adult prison life safely. The structural differences in these facilities, along with the dynamics between inmates, contribute to a higher incidence of violence that juveniles would likely not experience if they were housed in age-appropriate facilities.

The focus on physical safety highlights the significant concerns surrounding juvenile justice and the treatment of young offenders within the adult prison system.