To: Governor Andrew Cuomo
Tell Governor Cuomo To Raise the Age of Criminality
Dear Governor Cuomo, it is time to raise the age of criminality for juvenile offenders in New York.
In the state of New York, a person sixteen years old or older is sent into the adult criminal justice court regardless of the severity of the crime.
The most recent statistics indicate that 45,692 sixteen and seventeen year olds were arrested as adults in New York. Approximately 75% of the crimes were for misdemeanors.
Juveniles in adult facilities are more likely to suffer physical and emotional abuse, and they are 36 times more likely to commit suicide.
The initiative to raise the age has been successfully implemented in 48 states. Juveniles remanded to the juvenile justice system have a better chance for rehabilitation.
In the state of New York, a person sixteen years old or older is sent into the adult criminal justice court regardless of the severity of the crime.
The most recent statistics indicate that 45,692 sixteen and seventeen year olds were arrested as adults in New York. Approximately 75% of the crimes were for misdemeanors.
Juveniles in adult facilities are more likely to suffer physical and emotional abuse, and they are 36 times more likely to commit suicide.
The initiative to raise the age has been successfully implemented in 48 states. Juveniles remanded to the juvenile justice system have a better chance for rehabilitation.
Why is this important?
Juveniles focus on short-term payoffs rather than thinking through the long-term consequences of their actions. This often leads to immature, emotional, risky, aggressive and impulsive behavior or delinquent acts.
The promising news is that 66-75% of juveniles grow out of their risky behaviors and become more self-controlled.
Juveniles charged with crimes are usually poor, disadvantaged, and may also have mental health problems. Adolescent rehabilitation should be our top priority.
The promising news is that 66-75% of juveniles grow out of their risky behaviors and become more self-controlled.
Juveniles charged with crimes are usually poor, disadvantaged, and may also have mental health problems. Adolescent rehabilitation should be our top priority.