Juvenile Solitary Confinement Project

"Panel on the “Realities of Children in Solitary Confinement.” Moderator, 2L Emily Wood."
Panel on the “Realities of  Children in Solitary Confinement.” Moderator, 2L Emily Wood.

The primary goal of the Juvenile Solitary Confinement Project is to abolish the practice of placing children in solitary confinement. Solitary confinement is a pervasive practice in Florida. In Florida, approximately 25% of the children in adult prisons and jails are in solitary confinement on any given day. The Solitary Confinement Project represents two clients who were in solitary confinement for over seven years. Solitary Confinement harms the dignity of the child and violates Article 37 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Through legislative advocacy and education, law students in the Solitary Confinement Project advocate for the abolishment of solitary confinement. Law students research and draft bills, testify at legislative committee meetings, and work with bill sponsors and non-governmental organizations to abolish the practice. In addition, law students try to nudge culture by educating the public about the practice. Law students write op-ed pieces against the practice and create videos and podcasts telling child survivors’ experiences of solitary confinement.

Catherine Jones Headshot Interview with Catherine Jones: My experience in Solitary Confinement

News, Events & Student Scholarship

Alachua Juvenile Detention Center.
Courtesy of Andrea Costello.

Law Students - How to Apply for Enrollment

Students interested in enrolling in the Juvenile Solitary Confinement Project should complete the PILC application and contact Professor Annino to schedule an interview. There is one prerequisite for this clinic: the Children Advocacy Clinic course. Certified Legal Intern status is not required.

Resources on Solitary Confinement