Question

What factors impact the disproportionate representation of gender non-conforming youth in the Criminal Justice System?

Answer 1

Factors such as family rejection, unsafe school climates, poverty, and housing instability often result in homelessness or place gender non-confirming youth on a downward trajectory that leads to an involvement with multiple public systems, such as child welfare and juvenile justice systems. In addition, gender non-conforming youth are also likely to be subject to discrimination and stigma that leads to criminalization and increased interactions with law enforcement and related systems.