Answer:
The rate of youth confinement in the United States was higher in 1975 than it was in 2010. In 1975, the rate of youth confinement was around 500 per 100,000 youth, while in 2010 it had decreased to around 250 per 100,000 youth, a 50% reduction. However, it is important to note that the rate of youth confinement has been on a general decline since the mid-1990s, and there has been significant variation in the rate of youth confinement across states and over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The explanation for the decrease in the rate of youth confinement between 1975 and 2010 is due to a number of factors. One major factor has been a shift in the juvenile justice system towards alternatives to secure confinement, such as community-based programs and rehabilitation services. This shift has been driven by a recognition of the negative consequences of secure confinement for young people, including increased risk of recidivism and exposure to violence and abuse.
Additionally, research has shown that many young people who are incarcerated are there for nonviolent offenses, and that secure confinement is often not necessary for public safety. This has led to a decrease in the use of secure confinement as a punishment for youth and an increase in the use of community-based programs and services.
Finally, changes in laws and policies at the federal and state levels have also contributed to the decrease in the rate of youth confinement. For example, many states have implemented reforms to reduce the number of youth who are incarcerated and to provide alternatives to secure confinement for young people who have committed offenses.