Borrowing from Jeff Butts, the notion that there is no such thing as a “magic birthday” struck me when I read that Governor Malloy of Connecticut announced a new initiative to look at reforming the justice system for 18 to 24 year olds. Recall that Connecticut recently raised the age of adult jurisdiction from 16 to 17 and then 17 to 18 – and has learned lots of lessons about what works to both reduce crime and get youthful offenders back on track.  Governor Malloy’s comments make clear that the benefits of raising the age have been remarkable – the projected millions in costs did not materialize and the number of young adults in the corrections system is lower than ever.

All the developmental science we know affirms that there is not some “switch” in the brain that kicks in when someone turns 18. So, while we are working hard to even get 17 year olds back into the juvenile system, the day will come when we should look at what works with young adults who are clearly capable of change in the right direction if we do the right thing. We’ve learned from the Treatment Alternative Diversion (TAD) effort that investing resources in addressing underlying issues pays for itself and then some. We’ve seen state after state, including Wisconsin, with declining crime at the same time we are reducing confinement – debunking the notion that fewer youth confined will lead to more crime.

We certainly want to start with 17 year olds – getting them where they belong. And, I’m not advocating that we raise the age of juvenile court beyond 17 (although some are calling for that) – what I am advocating for is understanding that the lessons learned in working with youth in the juvenile system can be applied to the huge percentage of young adults that end up in the adult system as well. Come on Wisconsin!!!

by Jim Moeser