Between 2010 and 2020, many low-risk youth were admitted to detention following an arrest. These admissions to detention were usually brief, lasting no more than a few days, and typically did not result in a formal detention during a detention hearing. TPL is engaged in a quasi experimental analysis of this practice to determine whether these short detention stays had any impact on youths’ propensity to recidivate.
This project is part of our long-term partnership with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD), in which we aim to quantitatively characterize the multiple decisions that affect the youth in the system, rigorously evaluate programs and services, and identify racial disparities throughout the system. Our research will directly inform HCJPD leadership, as well as other stakeholders, such as the Harris County Juvenile Board, as they implement policies, changes, and programs to achieve their vision for youth justice in Harris County.