For the first time in years, the American Correctional Association (ACA) made a major move to reduce the use of isolation for youth by releasing proposed changes to the ACA Standards. These changes were released for public comment on September 29, 2017 and the comment period ended December 1, 2017. These changes represent a huge step forward by barring isolation as punishment.
Through a joint comment letter signed by over sixty youth justice professionals, experts, and civil rights advocates, we urged the ACA to adopt the proposed standards and to strengthen them through key changes.
As of February 1, 2019, the ACA has voted on these standards but has not made a public announcement as to their status.
RESOURCES
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROPOSED CHANGES