Young offenders are often denied credit for "dead time" behind bars
npr.orgPublished: 6/6/2025
Summary
Young individuals in juvenile justice systems face unnecessary detention due to inadequate time credits and faulty calculations by courts, often exacerbated by limited support for detainees. This prolonged confinement hinders their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, while public defenders argue that kids deserve proper due process and access to services during their detention. The system's systemic failures highlight the need for legal reforms, better service provisions, and increased community involvement to support young individuals effectively.