officials, because the jurisdiction is unclear.16 While Native American youth only make up 1.8 percent of the total youth population, they represent 3.6 percent of those detained, and once they are in the prison system, they are more likely to be placed in detention and less likely to get probation.17 Natives face special health challenges and disparities too, from having the highest rates of diabetes, heart disease, and asthma among any racial/ethnic group, to experiencing persistent barriers to health
