Published in Times Herald Record by Caroline Bertholf
Posted Mar. 4, 2015 at 4:51 PM
Letter: Raise the age for prosecutions
New York is one of only two states that still prosecutes all
youth older than 16, but it's about time to raise the age.
Connecticut, one of the most recent states to raise the age
of criminal responsibility above 16, has seen a rapid drop in recidivism rates.
Not only has recidivism dropped, between 2011 and 2012 the costs of the
juvenile justice system were cut by approximately $2 million.
Annually, in New York, nearly 50,000 people between ages 16
and 17 are arrested and face potential prosecution as adults for their alleged
crimes. But of those arrested, more than 75 percent of them have allegedly only
committed minor crimes or misdemeanors.
Several studies, including one published last year by the
Center for Court Innovation, show that there is a 34 percent higher recidivism
rate in 16 and 17 year-olds that have been incarcerated. Sixteen and 17 year
olds placed in an adult prison are 50 percent more likely to be attacked by
another prisoner and 37 percent more likely to commit suicide - youth who may
have only been convicted of misdemeanor. As these youths grow into adulthood,
permanent adult records - without chances of being expunged or sealed - may
impact barriers to entry in the labor force and housing markets. Essentially,
this system sets up our youth for failure.
We should be following Connecticut's lead to not only save
money, but save our youth. It's time for New York to finally raise the age.
Caroline Bertholf
No comments:
Post a Comment