Drug Use in Juvenile Facilities Reported by Youth

Drug and alcohol use reported by youth in juvenile facilities, 2008–2018

“This report describes patterns of drug and alcohol use among youth in juvenile facilities before they entered custody, including drugs or alcohol ever used and types of drugs used. It also provides findings on substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder among youth by their demographic and offense characteristics.

An estimated 84% of youth in juvenile facilities reported ever using drugs and 76% reported ever using alcohol, according to data collected in 2008-09, 2012, and 2018. More than half (60%) of youth in juvenile facilities met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorder and more than a third (36%) met the criteria for alcohol use disorder in the 12 months before entering custody.

Findings are from an alternative questionnaire given to 10% of youth in the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ (BJS) National Survey of Youth in Custody (NSYC): 1,027 youth from the NSYC-1 in 2008–09, 937 youth from the NSYC-2 in 2012, and 652 youth from the NSYC-3 in 2018. Analyses in the report are generally based on data aggregated across the three surveys.”
Read More →

Still ringing the alarm: An enduring call to action for black youth suicide prevention

“In 2019, the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health sounded the alarm about concerning suicide trends among Black youth in their report, Ring the Alarm. This present report not only urges us to renew the urgent call to action but also to critically interrogate the socioecological factors and structures—including institutional racism—that contribute to suicide risk among Black youth and how those factors create significant barriers for researchers and implementors trying to save their lives.

The data are alarming—Black youth have the fastest-rising suicide rate among their peers of other races and ethnicities. Even more disconcerting, we may not have the full picture of how suicide deaths are impacting Black youth due to misclassification errors. In the 13-year period between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10–17 increased by 144%. Black boys ages 0–19 have more than twice the suicide rate compared to Black girls of their age group. In 2021, one in five Black high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. That same year, nearly 18% of Black high school students had made a suicide plan in the past year, and 15% reported attempting suicide. Nearly 1 in 20 needed medical attention as a result of their suicide attempt.”
Read More →

Uniting Host Homes and Ballroom Culture for a Brighter Future

In recent years, host homes and ballroom culture have emerged as powerful movements that provide support, community, and a sense of belonging for marginalized individuals. Host homes offer temporary housing for those experiencing homelessness, while ballroom culture serves as a vibrant and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly Black and Latinx communities. This blog post aims to delve into the coexistence of these two movements, highlighting the ways in which they intersect and support one another.

Host Homes: A Foundation of Support

Host homes are a response to the pressing issue of homelessness, providing safe and stable housing for individuals who have nowhere else to go. This innovative approach connects individuals experiencing homelessness with volunteer hosts who open their homes, offering a temporary place to stay. Host homes go beyond shelter by providing a supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and connect with their communities.

Ballroom Culture: Celebrating Identity and Empowerment

Originating in the LGBTQ+ communities of color, ballroom culture has become a haven for many who face societal rejection and marginalization. It serves as a platform for creative expression, where participants, known as "houses," compete in various categories, showcasing talent, fashion, and personal identity. Ballroom culture fosters a strong sense of family and community, offering a support network that often extends beyond the ballroom itself.

Coexistence and Collaboration

1. Safe and Inclusive Spaces: Both host homes and ballroom culture emphasize the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces. Host homes provide a physical place of refuge where individuals can find respite from homelessness. Similarly, ballroom culture offers a supportive environment where LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, can express their authentic selves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

2. Empowerment and Resilience: Host homes and ballroom culture empower individuals in different ways. Host homes provide stability, support, and resources necessary for individuals to regain control of their lives. Ballroom culture empowers participants by celebrating their identities, showcasing their talents, and fostering self-confidence. By recognizing and embracing the unique strengths of individuals, both movements contribute to personal growth and resilience.

3. Community Connection: Host homes and ballroom culture foster a strong sense of community. Host homes create connections between hosts and individuals experiencing homelessness, fostering relationships that can have a lasting impact. Similarly, ballroom culture serves as a tight-knit community where participants form bonds, providing emotional support, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

4. Advocacy and Social Change: Both host homes and ballroom culture are platforms for advocacy and social change. Host homes address the immediate need for safe housing while raising awareness about homelessness and challenging societal perceptions. Ballroom culture creates visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals, challenges norms, and advocates for acceptance and equality. By working together, these movements can amplify their impact and advocate for systemic change.

The coexistence of host homes and ballroom culture is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and strength of marginalized communities. While host homes provide a foundation of support and stability for individuals experiencing homelessness, ballroom culture creates a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate their identities and find belonging. The shared values of inclusivity, empowerment, and community make these movements natural allies, and together they contribute to the well-being and growth of individuals facing adversity.

By recognizing and embracing the intersections between host homes and ballroom culture, we can foster collaboration, amplify voices, and create lasting change. Let us continue to support and uplift both movements as they provide crucial resources, empower individuals, and challenge societal norms. Through unity and understanding, we can create a world where everyone has a safe place to call home and celebrate their authentic selves.