Recently, Matthew Cavedon, the director of the Cato Institute’s Project on Criminal Justice, testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights about mental health in juvenile facilities and discussed why he doubts the juvenile correctional system will live up to its intended goals. In a new op-ed, Cavedon details his concerns with the system, writing in part:

“As for those youth who do have to be incarcerated, systems and officials must be pressed again and again to treat facility personnel issues no less seriously than they would those in schools, hospitals, or any other setting with vulnerable people. A system that cannot police its own officers will not be able to police those entrusted to it. And the last thing kids and teenagers inclined to disorder, violence, and crime need to see is that these things can be overlooked so long as the one committing them has power.”

To speak with Cavedon further, contact Christopher Tarvardian.