South Carolina’s Broken Juvenile System | Columbia News

South Carolina’s juvenile justice system is in crisis, locking up kids for status offenses — like skipping school or running away — making it the only state still doing so. In FY2025, a huge chunk of referrals and detentions were for these non-criminal behaviors, while Black youth, who make up just 28% of the youth population, account for over 75% of those detained, exposing deep racial disparities. Years of instability, staff turnover, and documented violence mean traumatized kids aren’t getting safe care — just more harm. It’s time for urgent reform: these young people deserve real rehabilitation, not punishment. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dad16fd2596f195c