After careful consideration the Board of Trustees of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has voted to endorse the elimination of the Valid Court Order (VCO) exception as it relates to holding some youth in secure custody. The VCO exception has allowed states to confine status offenders (under limited circumstances) in secure custody. While some states have modified their statutes already to prevent this, there are many states, including Wisconsin, in which status offenders can be held in secure detention. Through concerted and collaborative efforts, several jurisdictions in Wisconsin that have been using the VCO exception have steadily been reducing use. But, endorsement by NCJFCJ represents a significant step – as judges may struggle with some very difficult decisions related to youth, there is certainly a tendency to want to have as many options as possible. This endorsement has no legal or binding impact, but it represents what at least NCJFCJ believes is “best practice” and should be of help in passing a re-authorized JJDPA. For more information, you can refer to the WCCF Policy Brief on JJDPA Reauthorization.
Proposed Tax Cut Privileges Wealthiest 1%, Leaves Struggling Families Behind
Wisconsin can be a place where we all—regardless of race or place—have what we need to make ends meet. However, last week the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee voted for a tax cut that would aid in gutting supports for families. Letting Wisconsin’s wealthiest off the hook from paying what they owe means many struggling families are left behind, particularly children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity. We are calling on Governor Evers to stand up for everyday families and veto this tax cut for the wealthy few.
