Across our state, juveniles held in secure detention facilities are being treated unfairly compared to adult inmates. While adults have access to commissary services—allowing them to purchase snacks, higher-quality hygiene products, and personal items—juveniles are denied these same opportunities.

Although facilities do provide basic necessities, these young individuals are limited to the bare minimum, with no option to supplement their needs. Families are ready and willing to support their children by purchasing approved items, just as families of adult inmates can, but current policies prevent this.

These are still growing youth. Allowing access to commissary is not about luxury—it’s about dignity, fairness, and maintaining a connection to family support systems during incarceration.

Just because they are serving time does not mean their needs—and the ability of their families to support them—should be ignored.

We are calling on state and facility officials to:

Allow juveniles access to commissary services
Permit families to provide approved supplemental items
Ensure fair and equal treatment compared to adult facilities
Every young person deserves dignity, support, and a fair chance at rehabilitation.