State governments must address the reduction in residential psychiatric treatment options for young people. Without intervention, juvenile detention may become the default alternative for youth requiring psychiatric care.
Published by the Manhattan Institute, City Journal specializes in urban policy discussions. In a notable case, Joshua Beasley Jr. entered the Texas juvenile justice system in 2018 at the age of 11. His initial offenses were minor, such as kicking a school safety officer and spitting on a police officer. However, the situation escalated over five years into secure custody as his behavior worsened and more charges were accumulated.
Joshua’s struggles included severe self-harm and numerous suicidal attempts. Ultimately, he was transferred to an adult prison. In 2023, at the age of 16, he tragically died by suicide. His story underscores the urgent need for improved psychiatric care options to prevent the reliance on juvenile detention for mental health issues.