CCLP has created this Graphic Interchange Format (GIF) to visually demonstrate how basic these basic changes impact the spread of COVID-19. You can also read CCLP’s Statement of Actions for Youth Justice Professionals to learn more.

As the country grapples with continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, youth in the justice system must not be left behind in public health efforts. We have already seen too many examples of how COVID-19 can spread quickly among youth and staff in facilities and other congregate care settings. We also know that COVID-19 has had a particularly devastating impact on communities of color.

Fortunately, youth justice professionals at all levels of government can take basic measures to greatly reduce the impact of COVID-19 on youth, staff, and communities. These decision points begin at a youth’s contact with law enforcement and include: (1) Arrest, (2) Intake, (3) Detention, (4) Probation, and (5) Placement/ Commitment.

  Ways to Use the Graphic

• Share it on social media to raise awareness of the steps we should take to stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Facilitate a conversation among youth justice stakeholders in your community about the steps your jurisdiction could be taking at key decision points in the youth justice system.
• Use it to educate public officials and youth justice stakeholders on the steps they can take to limit the spread of COVID-19 from a youth’s contact with law enforcement through placement in youth facilities.

For information on using the graphic, contact Annie Veyakhone at aveyakhone@cclp.org For More Information on Youth Justice and COVID-19

• CCLP’s Statement on Urgent Actions Needed by Youth Justice Professionals in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• CCLP’s COVID-19 Resource Page (with links to other resource pages)
• CCLP’s Article: “The COVID Catch-22 for Young People Behind Bars,” in The Crime Report