This background paper focuses on the impact of decisions to transfer young men of color from the juvenile justice system to adult criminal courts, as well as the impact that alternative sentences and alternatives to incarceration have on these youth. In addition to providing historical perspective and an overview of the relevant literature, the paper offers promising practices in alternative sentencing and alternatives to incarceration, and policy options to ensure proper interventions and assistance for young men of color.

Depression is a chronic illness much like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension; it is common, recurrent, and costly. More than 35 million people are diagnosed and currently living with depression in the United States.1 Depression is the second leading cause of death and disability (next to heart disease) for all ages and the leading cause for individuals aged 15-44.2

This brief discusses the community conditions that can trigger an asthma attack, and demonstrates ways that communities across the country are working to reduce those triggers. It provides policy options that local, state, and federal policymakers can pursue to improve community environments, based on evidence about factors that can make a difference. It also highlights promising practices that have worked well in communities and successful strategies used by community advocates and policymakers, such as community education and mobilization efforts.

During the past twenty-five years, a series of public policies have had a negative impact upon young men from communities of color.

During the past twenty-five years, a significant amount of attention has been devoted to the issues of teen sexual activity and pregnancy, especially in communities of color.