The criminal justice system impacted the lives of many young people. The confinement rate of children in adult prisons had risen to above 200% since the mid-90s. Interestingly, the majority of an incarcerated individual includes youth of color.
Battles at the local level are fought since many children are still entering the adult criminal justice system.
It is the equal right of everyone to receive all opportunities and protection regardless of their ethnicity.
The headlines or reports never seem to cease regarding the cops and the Blacks. Some of the incidents include the killing of Stephon Clark while standing in his backyard. Likewise, Saheed Vassel, an unarmed man with mental disabilities, died because they misperceived the pipe he held with a gun.
The hands of law enforcement officials have killed a significant number of people. Besides, it is a firm belief and a reality that Unity is Strength. The people have hopes and the power to strive for equity. They can implement and practice change.
Voice against Police Brutality
Several violent killings direct many law enforcement agencies to examine and evaluate their use of deadly violent force.
It needs to step out and raise the voices against police brutality for mistreating youth of color.
It demands standing up and speaking out for injustices against young people of color. The youth is equally eligible for wrap-around services rather than being incarcerated. To tailor an appropriate response requires figuring out the life matters that could cause unusual behavior.
Behavioral Response should be different for Young People
The behavioral response for young people should be different from adults in the criminal justice system. It relates to the development of an individual. Developmental maturity helps to deal with adult offenders by searching or thinking for more efficient ways. The neurological fact is that young adult brains work differently than mature adults. The brains of young people experience the same emotions as adults, but they lack behind in overpowering them.
The overcrowding of young offenders in the justice system demands the need to consider the matter a priority. The optimistic view may be that they are the most likely group that bring offending to an end when they grow out of crime.
Variant European countries have set up different age limits for making the youth responsible for criminal attitudes or behaviors, specifying the age when to deal with youth justice. Germany has extended its youth justice up to the age of 25, Austria has the option of youth court for anyone up to 27, and the Netherlands has youth justice right up to the age of 23 (Craven, 2017). We need to understand the worth of young people’s development. Undoubtedly, changes take time but understanding the problems and evolution are the things that make it possible to transform this world into a better and equitable place for all.
Reference
Craven, S. (2017). Crime and ‘kidulthood’: should there be specific court processes for young adults? The Scottish Center for Crime and Justice Research. https://sccjrblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/crime-and-kidulthood-should-there-be-specific-court-process-for-young-adults/