A Review of Juvenile Solitary Confinement in the United States: Why Developmental Science Supports Banning Isolation of Youth

Authors

• Morgan R. Wagner
• Krystia Reed
• April Thomas

Abstract

The use of solitary confinement in carceral settings has been prevalent in the United States for as long as the justice system has been in place. The practice of isolating people who are incarcerated from the general prison population was adopted in the juvenile justice system as well, despite the system’s purported focus on rehabilitation. This paper reviews the developmental psychological literature suggesting that solitary confinement can harm adolescents in a variety of ways (psychological, psychosocial, and physical). We then discuss the prevalence of juvenile solitary confinement in federal and state courts. Finally, considering this research, we identify goals for future research and suggest policy reforms, including a ban of solitary confinement of youth.

Recommended Citation

Morgan R. Wagner, Krystia Reed, and April Thomas, A Review of Juvenile Solitary Confinement in the United States: Why Developmental Science Supports Banning Isolation of Youth, 24 Nw. J. Hum. Rts. 87 (2026).
https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/njihr/vol24/iss2/1