Dear Community Member:
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue
of serious concern to me -- the disparate treatment of Latino and Latina
youth in the juvenile justice.
According to a new report, “¿Dónde Está La
Justicia?” released by the Building Blocks for Youth
initiative, a national project led by the Youth Law Center to promote a
fair and effective youth justice system, Latino and Latina youth are
incarcerated at higher rates, receive longer sentences and harsher
treatment than white youth even when charged with the same offenses.
Current data means for collecting and assessing data are inadequate,
resulting in under-counting and inaccuracies in reporting
disproportionate representation and disparate treatment of Latino and
Latina youth in the U.S justice system. The system fails to provide
adequate bilingual services to Latino and Latina youth and fails to
ensure cultural competency of staff working with Latino and Latina youth
in the system. Consideration of the immigration status of Latino and
Latina youth results in incarceration, deportation and permanent
separation from families. Anti-gang laws result in harsh and unfair
consequences for Latino and Latina youth.
I’ve enclosed an executive summary of this
report that contains recommendations for action which I hope you
consider. In addition, I am including several outreach brochures which
include a poster inside that I would appreciate your posting in a
prominent location. Please let me know if you would like additional
copies of any of these materials.
I will be in touch with you shortly to follow up
on any questions that you may have and to discuss how we might work
together to end the disparate treatment of Latino and Latina youth by
the justice system in our community.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
