March 15, 2016
To: Representative Cale P. Keable, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee
Representative Doreen Marie Costa, Vice Chairperson
Members of the Judiciary Committee
From: Brother Michael Reis, FSC
Vice President Board of RI Chapter of NASW
Regarding House Bill No. 7608
The RI Chapter of NASW supports House Bill No. 7608 that limits the temporary detention at, or commitment to, the training school of a juvenile twelve (12) years of age or younger to situations in which that juvenile has been charged with or found delinquent of committing an offense involving murder.
Primary Concern:
Young children do not belong in high end treatment programs such as the RI State Training School. The professional supporting literature clearly states the importantance of avoiding incarcertion.
National Statistics:
OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Released on April 27, 2015.
There were 706 juveniles ages 12 or younger were in a correctional facility on the 2013 census date. These very young juveniles accounted for 1% of all youth in a correctional facilities.
In Rhode Island:
In 2009, partnered with Annie E Casey and stakeholders to focus on reducing unnecessary and inappropriate use of secure confinement and enhancing community based alternatives to detention.
RI DCYF has began developing home grown and evidenced based programs to target this population
Professional Supporting Literature:
The Patterson Report clearly spells out how important it is to keep these youth out of the Training School.
CHARTING A NEW COURSE: A Blueprint for Transforming Juvenile Justice in NYS - 2009 Patterson Report.
This report states that incarceration is likely to promote further delinquency among youth and to increase the probability that youth will return to the system after release. 89% of boys and 81% of girls re-arrested by age 28. (page 14)
The NYS task force's recommendations from this study aim to move away from this costly, ineffective model and return to the original, treatment focus of juvenile justice in treatment setting and intensive community based programs. (page 11)
Incarceration as an absolute last resort, reserved for those who pose such a serious threat that no other solution would protect public safety. (page 11)
OJJDP Fact Sheet Pathways to Desistance: A Longitudinal Study of Serious Adolescent Offenders”, March 2011
Most youth who commit felonies greatly reduce their offending over time.
Longer stays in Juvenile facilities do not reduce recidivism.
Community-based supervision is effective for youth who have committed serious offenses following incarceration.
Youth who received community-based supervision and aftercare services were more likely to attend school, go to work, and avoid further offending during the 6 months after release.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities:
National Council on Crime and Delinquency in their January 2007 report, “And Justice for Some.”
Youth of color are over-represented at all stages in the juvenile justice system
CHARTING A NEW COURSE: A Blueprint for Transforming Juvenile Justice in NYS - 2009 Patterson Report
89% of boys and 81% of girls re-arrested by age 28. (page 14)
Key Risk Factors
Low attachment to Family, School and Community
Poverty
Behavioral Health
History of Abuse or Neglect
Trauma
Educational Attainment
2015 RI Kids Count Factbook: