Connecticut Youth Justice Reforms Remain Top Priority for 2025

 Posted on January 07, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

The Connecticut Justice Alliance is advocating for changes to be made to the state’s juvenile justice system in the coming year. The Alliance claims the state must do more to examine the root causes of juvenile crime and should also consider that while a child’s public education costs roughly $19,000 a year, it can cost as much as $274,000 to imprison a juvenile. It is every parent’s worst nightmare to receive a call telling them their child is in trouble and is being charged with a criminal offense.

If the offense is severe enough, depending on the age of the juvenile, he or she could be tried and sentenced in adult court. Even if the juvenile remains in juvenile court, a conviction for a criminal offense can affect virtually every aspect of the juvenile’s future. If your child has been charged with a criminal offense, it is important that you speak to a Stamford, CT juvenile criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.

What Are Some of the Proposed Changes to the Connecticut Juvenile Justice System?

One of the first things proposed by the Connecticut Justice Alliance is to raise the age at which a juvenile can be arrested from 10 to 14 and remove juvenile offenders from adult facilities. The age was raised from seven to 10 in 2021. The Alliance feels this will allow young people who commit criminal offenses to be placed in situations that allow them to heal and rehabilitate rather than be punished.

Next, the Alliance proposes removing youth under the age of 18 from prison or prison-like environments. Many studies have shown prison to be an ineffective tool in correcting behavior – for juveniles and adults alike. If more emphasis is placed on understanding why juveniles commit crimes and taking steps to redirect these young brains, the Alliance believes the long-term payoff will be immeasurable.

A Justice Advisor Program is in place and should be expanded to help juveniles in the justice system develop leadership and work skills that will be beneficial to their futures. The first year as a Juvenile Advisor involves learning and participation, while the second year emphasizes advanced engagement and application of knowledge. Permanent employment in the juvenile’s field of interest is the ultimate goal. Finally, the Alliance advocates for programs across the state that keep juveniles out of trouble in the first place.

Are The Alliance Goals Realistic?

To many, these goals seem lofty and unattainable, but one thing is clear – the state’s juvenile justice system as it stands does not have a measurable focus on rehabilitation and prevention of juvenile crimes. Multiple studies have shown that juveniles incarcerated in adult prisons have much higher rates of future criminal behavior as well as higher suicide rates.

These juveniles also have less access to healthcare, both inside prison and out, and are unable to pursue a career of their choice due to a felony conviction. Minority youth tend to have the worst outcomes and are more often incarcerated; despite making up less than half of Connecticut’s youth population, Black and Hispanic juveniles account for 83 percent of those in juvenile detention.

Things to Remember if Your Child is Arrested

As a parent, you should never assume your child will be treated fairly. The prosecutor’s version of the criminal offense is likely to stand unless your child has an experienced, knowledgeable juvenile criminal justice attorney. Leniency is not a given – your child could end up in juvenile detention for a year or more or could be tried and sentenced as an adult. The most favorable outcome is virtually always achieved with the help of a skilled juvenile attorney.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Juvenile Defense Lawyer

When your child is in trouble, you want the very best outcome for him or her. When you contact a Stamford, CT juvenile defense attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner, you can rest a little easier knowing your child’s future is in good hands. Our attorney will aggressively advocate on behalf of your child. Call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.