Human Rights for Kids report finds uneven child protections across U.S. states

Human Rights for Kids says 16 states remain in the lowest tier for protecting children in the justice system, even as Maryland, Virginia and Hawaii passed new reforms in 2026. The report ranks all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and argues that sustained advocacy is starting to produce measurable legislative change.

Why it matters: - Sixteen states still rank in the lowest tier for protecting children’s human rights in the justice system. - The report shows major gaps remain in adult prosecution, extreme sentencing, solitary confinement and opportunities for release. - The findings also point to a practical reform path for states trying to reduce harsh treatment of children in the justice system.

What happened: - Human Rights for Kids released its 2026 State Ratings Report, titled "Progress Through Persistence." - The annual report evaluates all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 12 categories of legal protections. - Hawaii earned the highest score at 10.5. - California followed with 9.5. - Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Wyoming received the lowest scores, with two points each. - Four new laws were enacted in 2026 across Maryland, Virginia and Hawaii. - Those 2026 changes followed eight laws enacted in 2025.

The details: - Maryland enacted legislation that changes automatic charging rules and requires children to be removed from adult correctional facilities by 2029. - Virginia established a minimum age of prosecution, steering its youngest children away from the criminal justice system. - Hawaii strengthened trauma-informed protections and removed provisions that exposed children to adult prosecution based on prior cases. - Human Rights for Kids said the reforms reflect years of collaboration among advocates, policymakers and philanthropic partners. - The organization credited The Just Trust, Annie E. Casey Foundation, TOW Foundation, Focus for Health Foundation, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Stoneleigh Foundation and Abell Foundation for supporting the research and advocacy. - The report is meant to give lawmakers a measurable framework for identifying gaps and building on reforms in 2027. - A full report is available through the organization's announcement: Read the full report.

Between the lines: - The report suggests incremental policy work is starting to translate into state-level wins after years of advocacy. - The spread between top and bottom states shows child justice protections remain highly uneven across the country. - James Dold, founder and CEO of Human Rights for Kids, said the results show both where children remain vulnerable and that change is possible. - Sen. Will Smith said Maryland’s changes show what sustained commitment can accomplish. - Del. Sandy Bartlett said the Maryland victory followed 14 years of advocacy. - Sen. Mamie Locke said persistence can turn the principle of age-appropriate treatment into law.

What's next: - Human Rights for Kids says lawmakers can use the ratings as a roadmap for 2027 reforms. - The report points to continued opportunities for states to narrow disparities in how children are treated in the justice system. - Advocacy groups and legislative partners are expected to keep pushing for additional protections in the states that scored lowest.

The bottom line: - The 2026 rankings show that child justice protections remain uneven, but they also show that long-term advocacy can deliver concrete state-level reforms.