Why Native American kids are getting harsher prison sentences in WA
We could tell this next story with numbers. There is a lot of data.
But at its core: This is a story about Native American kids.
And how year after year, law enforcement and lawmakers in Olympia allow these children to be arrested and jailed at far higher rates than their white peers.
Those experiences as children have lasting consequences well into adulthood.
State officials and lawmakers know there’s a problem. But advocates say they haven’t done enough to stop it.
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- Melanie Henshaw - Indigenous affairs reporter, InvestigateWest
RELATED LINKS
- Native American children significantly more likely to be arrested, detained in Washington
- Native American kids less likely than others in WA to be offered second chance in juvenile court, data shows
- Most children charged as adults in Washington are youth of color
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Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside
Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside. She’s a native Pacific Northwesterner who grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington, and covered local news as a producer and reporter with KIRO Radio.
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Gabrielle Healy
Senior Producer, Soundside
Gabrielle is a senior producer for Soundside, covering everything from politics to culture.
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Jason Burrows
Producer/Announcer
Jason M Burrows is part of the Production Team on Soundside, and takes on announcing duties when needed.
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