American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth are almost twice as likely to be petitioned to state court for skipping school, violating liquor laws, and engaging in other behaviors that are only illegal because of their age (status offenses). This brief looks at the disparities faced in the state system, and disproportionate representation of AI/AN youth who are charged with status offenses. It also looks at the ability of both state and tribal systems to respond to status offenses, and federal funding levels to support efforts to better serve these youth.
