Dismantling the School to Prison Pipeline in Ohio

Ensuring children obtain an education in a safe environment is a priority. However, zero tolerance policies have failed, sending into the juvenile justice system youth who often have mental health issues or disabilities, have little to no history of criminal behavior, and are low-risk. This is even more true for youth coming from communities of color or are impoverished areas.Research shows that a first-time arrest during high school nearly doubles the chances of a youth dropping out of school and a court appearance nearly quadruples those chances. This show will explore the issue of school-based referrals to juvenile court and its impact on families and the court system, discuss what is happening across the country to address the issue, and highlight efforts in Ohio. Guests: Sarah Biehl, Staff Attorney, Ohio Poverty Law Center & Hon. Kim A. Browne, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Divisions