1. “Educate the Legislature” Day
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Connecticut is one of only 3 states where the court system automatically treats all teenagers older than 15 as adults. Raise the Age CT is asking Connecticut’s legislature to change Connecticut’s law so that children are kept in the juvenile justice system until they are 18.
Anyone who has been affected by Connecticut’s current system (youth, families, providers) and anyone else who believes in this cause is asked to join us on February 21st. Legislators need to know that Connecticut’s voters care about this issue. We need participants who are willing to:
- Be present in the lobby of the Legislative Office building wearing a T-shirt and button to show support
- Meet with their legislator about this issue to educate him or her in person*
- Attend an educational public forum in the afternoon to show members of the Judiciary and Appropriations Committee that this is an important issue to their constituents.
Box lunches and transportation will be provided.
*A training will be held on January 25th from 5-7 p.m. in New Haven (place TBD) for anyone interested in meeting with their legislator. We will help set up those meetings, tell you what to expect, and provide information for you to share with your legislator. Food will be provided.
For more information please contact:
CTJJA (203)579-2727
2. Bill keeps 17-year-olds in juvenile justice system (New Hampshire)
By TOM FAHEY
State House Bureau Chief
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006
Concord — A bill to keep youngsters in the juvenile justice system for an extra year took an important step in the House yesterday.
Representatives passed HB 627 by a vote of 258 to 107. The bill raises from 17 to 18 the age at which a youngster leaves the juvenile justice system. Those under 18 who commit murder and other serious crimes could still be certified as an adult for trial.
The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee had voted 10-5 to back the measure on juveniles.
Their argument was that 17-year-olds are now released from the Youth Development Center to families that are often dysfunctional, or do not want them in the home.
Rep. Patricia Dowling, R-Derry, said judges have told her than many 17-year-olds come to criminal court without lawyers or parents, and either represent themselves or plead guilty.