The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) has issued a statement of support for AB732, a bill authored by Rep. Fred Kessler, that would return 17 year-olds to the juvenile system – starting with youth alleged to have committed a misdemeanor. The NCCD statement reflects what we know about the failed policies of treating 17 year-olds as adults as well as the benefits to youth and the community by providing necessary services in the juvenile system.
Explained: End Juvenile Life Without Parole in Wisconsin
Wisconsin relies far too much on incarceration and blames children for system-wide failures. Instead of incarceration, a better investment for Wisconsin’s youth is in basic needs such as health, housing, and employment. Wisconsin should reimagine a community-based continuum of care grounded in youth voice, emerging adult research, and cross-system collaboration.
