New Haven Independent

Posted by: sally | February 5, 2007 9:18 AM

What does it say that last year Walker tried to lower the age? Am I missing something?

Posted by: Michelle | February 5, 2007 10:18 AM

That's definitely a misprint--Walker has been working steadily to RAISE the age of juvenile court jurisdiction. Nearly everyone agrees on the moral obligation to provide 16- and 17-year olds developmentally-appropriate services accessible in the juvenile justice system. Seven health associations (five was also a misprint) are now highlighting the medical basis for changing this policy. Unfortunately, funding has been such an obstacle. Is the state of Connecticut willing to risk the healthy development and human rights of its children because of short-term costs?

Posted by: Merryl | February 5, 2007 11:59 AM

In response to Sally. It often takes more than one year for a bill to gain momentum and be passed. There was money allocated in last year's budget do a further study, meaning that there was interest in seeing the bill appear again.
This issue can be followed on the www.cga.ct.gov website. In my mind, it is important to distinguish between children committing violent crimes, and children "acting out" and doing dumb kid things. Our current laws allow children to go to adult prison for matters as inconsequential as frequent school absences.

Posted by: Terry | February 5, 2007 12:13 PM

I believe the most important thing to realize is that putting kids in jail doesn't solve anything. The State needs to realize that tradional eduaction should be supplemented with life skill and job training programs, for both at risk youth and ex-offenders. We need to fund community based programs, and not make it virtually imposible for those that want to do something. There are good ideas and people that develop programs, then hit a brick wall because they can't get funding. I personally know this thru experience.

Stop building jails and start building communities with tha money.

Posted by: Talia | February 5, 2007 12:55 PM

No, she tried to Raise the age...not lower. Was that your question?

Posted by: baile27 | February 5, 2007 12:58 PM

Yes Sally-you are missing something. I think it was a typo or alluded to something else entirely. Toni Walker has held the same position since taking this battle on. I agree that we should treat 16 year olds as children and sentence them accordingly. Our reactive method of dealing with youth violence doesn't help our troubled youth in the long run. In order to do that, we need to develop a proactive stance with proven methods employed by other states.

Posted by: sally | February 5, 2007 2:28 PM

Yes! That's what I was asking, Talia and Michelle. I didn't know if it was a missprint, or perhaps there was something about the legislation that I didn't understand.

Bottom line-- Toni Walker is consistently doing important work. Big things.

Posted by: Johnna Paradis | March 5, 2007 6:23 PM

I wanted to comment since this is my 2nd year working with the Raise the Age campaign. It's personal for me since my son was locked up in an adult facility at the age of 16. I am all for raising the age to 18. I thought I knew everything about CT since I was born and raised here, but this was not so good news for me and my family. Locking kids up period is not good practice or a deterrent. Raise the Age CT!!