Children Under 12 Will No Longer Be Prosecuted for Most Crimes in New York

Written By Shirani Jayasuriya

Starting yesterday, youth under the age of twelve will no longer be arrested or prosecuted for crimes (with the exception of homicide) in New York.

Previously, youth between the ages of 7-18 could be charged. Now, children under 12 will receive “differential response programs” which will consist of mental health care, and resources to avoid entering the juvenile justice system.

In 2019, more than 800 youth under the age of 12 were arrested in the state of New York. I’m NYC, roughly 90% of the youth arrested were Black or Brown.

What do you think of this new law?

#juvenilejustice #youth #prison #justice #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #children #equity #publicmedia #media #blackowned #biooc #bipocowned #follow #like #support #share

Shirani Jayasuriya
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