Hidden Injustice: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth in Juvenile Courts

Hidden Injustice: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth in Juvenile Courts is the first comprehensive report to examine the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth in juvenile courts nationwide. LGBT youth comprise a significant portion (up to 13%) of youth in detention, according to a recent study by Ceres Policy Research. Despite this compelling statistic, LGBT youth remain invisible to many juvenile justice professionals and are often treated unfairly and harshly in the justice system.

Drawing from first-hand accounts of more than 50 LGBT youth and in-depth interviews of more than 60 juvenile court judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, probation officers, and detention staff from across the country, this groundbreaking report sheds light on the numerous barriers to fair and effective treatment of court-involved LGBT youth. The report also provides juvenile justice professionals, policymakers, and advocates with detailed practice and policy recommendations to help them address these problems head on.

Hidden Injustice is an invaluable resource for anyone who is committed to pursuing a fair and just juvenile delinquency system in which the constitutional rights of all youth are upheld and all youth are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Maria Ramiu, YLC Staff Attorney, is on the Advisory Board of the Equity Project.