Who Stands Against Solitary

Many professional organizations have positions against the use of solitary confinement, especially for youth.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

American Bar Association

American Correctional Association

In August 2016 the American Correctional Association’s Restrictive Housing Standards Committee approved updated standards on the use of solitary confinement. The new standards are now subject to field testing and final approval, a process which could take until late 2017.  Standard 4-RH-0034 provides that “[c]onfinement of offenders under the age of 18 years of age in Extended Restrictive Housing is prohibited.” Extended Restrictive Housing is defined as being isolated in-cell for “at least 22  hours per day and for more than 30 days for the safe and secure operation of the facility.”

American Medical Association

American Psychiatric Association *includes language in position statement against juveniles in adult facilities

American Psychological Association

American Public Health Association

College of Family Physicians of Canada

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

National Commission on Correctional Healthcare

National Lawyers Guild

New England Journal of Medicine Perspective

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration