Information about the experience of LGBT youth in the juvenile justice system is scarce. The Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana helps fill this gap with its new report, Locked Up and Out: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Youth in Louisiana’s Juvenile Justice System.

Although the report identifies problems at home related to a young person’s sexuality or gender identity as a factor that may drive youth into the juvenile justice system, it also draws attention to the importance of family. One young person is quoted as saying, “It’s hard for me not being able to see my family, so if there is any way you can help, please do so.”

I recommend the report to anyone working in the juvenile justice system, especially staff who interact with youth. It covers the scope of challenges that systems face in meeting the needs of LGBT youth and offers recommendations to address those challenges.