This week’s pick of news and commentary about solitary confinement:

New survey data from University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) shows an increase in bipartisan support for a number of justice issues, including policing, sentencing, solitary confinement, and criminal records. When asked about limiting solitary confinement “so it can not be used as punishment for minor violations, and is limited to 30 consecutive days or 40 days in a two-month period,” 90% of Democrats, 75% of Republicans, and 82% of Americans overall were in support. More restrictive solitary confinement policies, where use is limited “to reasons of safety for the prisoner themself, and to no more than 15 consecutive days or 20 days in a two-month period,” were less supported but still by bipartisan majorities. PR Newswire

A Connecticut teen spent three days in solitary-like conditions at an Emergency Room psychiatric unit while awaiting placement in a foster home. The isolation took such a toll on her that she endured sexual harassment at her foster home to prevent having to return to the temporary housing. Unlike other states, Connecticut does not allow children awaiting foster care placement to be housed at child protection agency offices. A 2024 study found 24% of children spent time in an emergency mental health department within one year of entering foster care. CT Mirror

A New Jersey Senate hearing will consider whether to rollback restrictions on solitary confinement implemented under the 2019 Isolated Confinement Restriction Act. The New Jersey Correctional Officers Union claims that the law has made working conditions less safe and has proposed legislation expanding officers’ ability to use solitary against people who assault staff. Advocates argue that staffing shortages, resulting in lockdowns and decreased programming, are the actual culprit of behavioral problems. The Jersey Vindicator

U.S. District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl has denied the Wyoming Boys’ School’s request to bar the term “solitary confinement” in an upcoming trial over constitutional rights violations. The lawsuit, brought by seven former residents, claims the school subjected the boys to extended periods of solitary confinement and physical harm through the use of “spit masks,” multi-point restraints, and riot gear. While Skavdahl stated that he will “listen carefully” to ensure the term isn’t used to “inflame the jury,” he will also require the Boys’ School to bring examples of the equipment used against the plaintiffs. WyoFile

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