Community-based programs focus on addressing the root causes of youth crime: poverty, trauma, lack of opportunity, and unmet mental health needs. These programs are far more cost-effective than incarceration—by some estimates, 345 times cheaper than secure detention .
Second-look measures allow individuals who were sentenced as juveniles to have their cases reviewed after serving 15 to 40 years, recognizing that capacity for change persists well into adulthood .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true a teen was sentenced to 452 years in prison?
No. This claim was based on a manipulated video with fake AI-generated audio . The actual case involved a 17-year-old who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for charges related to a fatal fire .
What is juvenile life without parole (JLWOP)?
JLWOP is a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for someone who committed a crime under the age of 18. The U.S. is the only country that still permits this sentence . Currently, 22 states allow it .
Why do some states allow JLWOP while others don’t?
Following Miller v. Alabama, states have taken different approaches. As of 2026, 28 states and the District of Columbia have banned JLWOP entirely, but all but one still allow either JLWOP or life with parole as a sentencing option for minors convicted of homicide .
