Advocates for prison humanization and normalization say that lower rates of recidivism and less inmate violence likely can be two of the positive outcomes when this shift is put into action. They point to the fact that high incarceration rates are proving too costly for American society. Correctional facility operating budgets are in some cases in the tens of millions of dollars and our communities continue to pay long after inmates serve their sentence through social services and other programming.

Additionally, inmates that are released ill-equipped for reintegration often do harm in the community and often find themselves back in jail in what seems to be an endless cycle. Lastly, prisons are often violent places and inmates are often released as damaged – or even more damaged – than before they entered the facility. All of this creates a sizeable subculture of broken people.

In this white paper, we will present detailed information on the current state of juvenile incarceration and the emerging trend in humanizing correctional facilities, along with evidence that shows just how important environment is to those who spend time in these spaces. Lastly, we will provide resources on what to look for when selecting juvenile justice furniture products that will help in humanizing juvenile correctional facilities, while also keep those inside them safe from harm.