17. February 2009 by Rev Young.

9. February 2009 by Rev Young.

 As we move forward in this new year, with the hope of changing the laws of confinement that lock away juveniles in adult prisons, I began receiving the usual reports and statistics. 

 Most of us who follow this cause, advocate for this cause or are caught up in this horrible system, know all the facts.  We have purused all of the national reports, we have resited statistics, we have talked about all of the brain development research.  We spout this information to whom ever will listen. 
In all of this research, all of these reports, all of the legislation, mandatory sentence reform and every other empassioned movement, we have lost one thing…….

The human element.  These kids have faces, stories, hearts.  They are PEOPLE whom we have chosen to throw away into a system that further destroys them, their future and any chance of being successful in our communities.  We need to look at the faces.  We need to look them in the eye and tell them that they are no good, worst of the worst and what ever the cliches are about these kids.  But we don’t.

We put them in the hands of a corrupt criminal justice system, with a judge that decides their fate with a “snapshot” of their lives and we send them into a dark place called prison.

If we had to look them in the eye, if we had to listen to them, if we had to understand who they were and what they needed or how we have already failed them…..we would be ashamed.  So we don’t do it.  I want to call all of you to stand strong for one minute and look at the following links.  Don’t just read the facts, look at the pictures.  They are kids…..we are supposed to protect them and teach them…..we didn’t.

Picture Essay from Time and the book “No Place For Children”
http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/juveniles/

A report from Washington state on the treatment of juvenile offender.  It includes information on the injustice associated with the prosecution of juveniles.  Look at the pictures!

justtreatment_22cforweb.pdf

Posted in Prison Reform Advocates, Juvenile Reform Advocates | Print | No Comments »

3. February 2009 by Rev Young.

 As we research the issue of juvenile justice reform, we find many reports and studies done by qualified organizations and individuals that support reform for juvenile justice laws and practices.  Once in a while, someone does a program on this issue that help us put a “face” to the current practices.  One such program aired on PBS.  You will find the link below.

Aside from the usual call to question the moral and ethical practice of JLWOP this program does something else.  It discusses the side of the victim.  We know that there are very vocal victims advocates that do not want to see any change in the current practice of life without the possibility of parole.  However there is one organization Mothers Against Murderers Association that has a different view.  These women have all suffered the loss of a child, and sometime multiple family members, to violence.  Yet they have chosen a different path.  A path of forgiveness and believing in rehabilitation and redemption.  They provide support for those who have lost children to violence, they advocate for juvenile intervention programs and they advocate for clemency for incarcerated youth.  What a powerful statement and what incredible women.  I went to their web site and found a poem that I am publishing here.  It will make you think.  I urge you to click on the link below, watch the program and then work diligently to save our children.

Powerful video from the PBS Religion and Ethics Weekly on the subject of life without parole.  It’s the story of a Florida 15 year old given four life without parole sentences for armed robbery while assisting a 25 year old. Victims’issues are addressed in an unusual and compelling fashion.

To view and hear it, go to:  www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/January-30-2009/juvenile-life-without-parole/2081.

Posted in Prison Reform Advocates, Juvenile Reform Advocates | Print | No Comments »