There is a crisis across the Commonwealth involving incarcerating youth in residential "treatment" facilities. The time for reform of the juvenile justice system is at hand as momentum is building throughout the Commonwealth to address the lack of oversight that has led to the disturbing events at Wordsworth, Glen Mills and elsewhere.
COMMENTS ON THE COUNCIL FOR REFORM'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendation I am commenting on: Increase capacity and access to services for children in the delinquent and dependent system with complex mental and behavioral health needs- this requires collaboration between the Office of Children, Youth and Families; Commission on Crime and Delinquency; Juvenile Court Judges Commission; and Council of Chief Probation Officers.
Comments on this recommendation (e.g., what actions are needed to implement the recommendation and why? Is this recommendation a particularly high priority? Does it misunderstand or mischaracterize something?):
Recommendation I am commenting on: Reinvest savings from reduction in out-of-home placements into mediation, strength-based treatment, mentorships, and education and employment services.
Comments on this recommendation (e.g., what actions are needed to implement the recommendation and why? Is this recommendation a particularly high priority? Does it misunderstand or mischaracterize something?):
Recommendation I am commenting on: Overturn the direct file provision of Act 33 of 1995 and stop mandating individuals age 15-17 charged with specified offenses be prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system.
Comments on this recommendation (e.g., what actions are needed to implement the recommendation and why? Is this recommendation a particularly high priority? Does it misunderstand or mischaracterize something?):
Recommendation I am commenting on: Provide indigent juvenile defense services with a 50% reimbursement rate through county needs-based budget process- the same rate as guardians ad litem and counsel in dependency proceedings. DO WE WANT TO TAK ABOUT STATE-WIDE PUBLIC DEFENDER FUNDING HERE?
Comments on this recommendation (e.g., what actions are needed to implement the recommendation and why? Is this recommendation a particularly high priority? Does it misunderstand or mischaracterize something?):
Do you have recommendations you think are missing from the Council's document? List them below, along with actions you think the state should take to implement your recommendations.
Pennsylvania should raise its age of minimum jurisdiction from 10 years old to 14 years old. It should also extend its jurisdiction from 21 years old to 25 years old.
REASONS
OTHER COMMENTS
Your voice, experience, and input matters. Please consider submitting additional comments below. You can write as much as you want in this section.
How should youth and family members be involved in decision-making for system reforms?
Who else should they include in the process?
What else should the Governor's office know?