Prevent the Mis-Incarceration of Youth with Disabilities

Children in a school library. The child sitting closest to the camera has his hand raised.

According to The Pew Charitable Trust, Oregon’s child incarceration rate is among the worst in the country.

In 2020, Disability Rights Oregon launched an ambitious new project to reduce the “mis-incarceration” of children and youth in Oregon. “Mis-incarceration” occurs when youth with disabilities are inappropriately placed into the criminal justice system, usually following failures of the service system, including education.

When children of color with disabilities are denied the special education supports and services they need to succeed, this often leads to disparities in school discipline and law-enforcement involvement.

Disability Rights Oregon helps prevent mis-incarceration by getting kids the supports they need in school and helps kids get out and stay out of the criminal justice system by advocating for appropriate, person-centered release planning. 

 
 

Advocacy Flyer

You can post this flyer so that youth, parents, and advocates can find out more about the project.

 
 
 
 

Case Study of Portland Public Schools

Within Portland Public Schools there are significant racial disparities in discipline.

 
 
 

9.8%

of students in Portland Public Schools are Black

 

v.

50%

students with disabilities expelled are Black