• In 1999 721,500 prisoners were parents to 1.5 million children under the age of 18. 22% of these children were under 5 years of age.

• Prior to incarceration, 44% of the fathers lived with their children and 64% of the mothers.

• These children are at substantially higher risk for future involvement with drug use and the criminal justice system.

• In 1997, the juvenile offenders in residential placement were 40% black, 37% white and 18% Hispanic.

• Black juveniles accounted for the majority of placements for drug trafficking and drug offenses. White juveniles accounted for the majority of placements for sexual assault, arson and status offenses.

Sources:
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency