Report

Language barriers are making it difficult for immigrant parents to advocate for their children during juvenile delinquency cases. But just how to remedy the situation needs more research. With support from Casey, the Vera Institute of Justice is studying the relationship between parents' ability to speak English, their ability to participate in the juvenile justice process and the likelihood of immigrant child being prosecuted for criminal offenses. 

June 11, 2010

In This Report, You’ll Learn

  1. 1

    How parental language barriers contribute to the sentencing of kids.

  2. 2

    The 3 approaches that may minimize sentencing for youth of color.

  3. 3

    The non-English speaking language and communication problem facing the New York City juvenile justice system.

  4. 4

    How the VERA Institute of Justice proposes to study the language barrier problem.

Key Takeaway

Language barriers and the juvenile justice system

Language barriers can contribute to the disproportionate representation of minorities in the juvenile justice system as parents don’t understand what’s expected of them.  

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations

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