NEW YORK (AP) — Two of America's leading advocates for
prisoners' rights are urging state governments to abolish the
use of solitary confinement for offenders under 18. In a new
report, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties
Union say brief periods of isolation may be needed as a security
measure. However, they contend that longer spans of solitary
confinement can cause serious psychological and physical harm to
young people, including heightened risk of suicide. The report,
"Growing Up Locked Down," said lack of detailed state data makes
it impossible to estimate the number of juveniles subjected to
solitary confinement and other forms of isolation at any given
time. But it describes the practice as widespread, notably among
juveniles held in adult facilities, and urges states to find
alternatives.