Over 10,000 children in Arkansas are at risk of being held back in third grade because they can’t read proficiently. But the problem goes deeper. Many of these kids are dealing with trauma—known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—which impacts their behavior, learning, and future. When support isn’t there early, it can lead to school discipline, expulsion, and eventually involvement in the justice system. Here’s the reality: It costs under $10,000 to educate a child—but over $100,000 a year to incarcerate one. What if we invested earlier instead of paying later?
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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