We urge our newly elected [state] Sen. Elaine Phillips to join us and hundreds of her constituents to support the Raise the Age legislation that has been stalled in the state Senate for the past few years.
Sadly, New York and North Carolina are the only two states that still prosecute and incarcerate 16 and 17-year-olds as adults, often leaving them to languish in adult state prisons, where they are 50 percent more likely to be abused or beaten by inmates and prison guards, than in youth facilities.
The bill has the support of over 200 organizations, numerous members of clergy and community groups, who have been working tirelessly to raise awareness across the state for over ten years.
Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Senate IDC Leader Jeffrey Klein have all voiced support to finally pass legislation against underage incarceration in the state during this legislative term.
Gov. Cuomo stands behind the legislation, which proposes to keep children under the age of 18 out of adult prisons, to ensure the presence of a parent or guardian during questioning and sentencing and ensure that juveniles will not be imprisoned for breaking parole — if they are not a danger to others — as well as require family support centers and special care for children with significant behavioral health issues.
Last year, the governor had earmarked funding to transfer youthful offenders out of adult state prisons so they can receive much needed rehabilitative services, provided by family court.
The savings in terms of reducing crime and youth recidivism will be enormous.
The adolescent brain is still developing; adolescents respond well to interventions, learn to make responsible choices, and are likely to grow out of delinquent behavior.
This same undeveloped brain that is often responsible for reckless, impulsive behavior, is malleable and equally receptive to positive change.
Sen. Phillips, we are counting on you to help put New York State back on the right map, along with the other 48 states that have boldly raised the age of adult criminal responsibility.
Restore the chance for a stable future to so many young lives.
Debbie Kesselman
and Joe Giovanniello
Manhasset
