Youth advocates gathered in WashingtonD.C. on December 5^th to rally for more investments in delinquency prevention and treating youth appropriately in the justice system.  Vicky’s simple message on behalf of her son Kirk is that children should not be treated as adults – subject to confinement as adults, subject to the lifelong negative labeling that results from an adult conviction, and subject to the lack of developmentally appropriate services that are provided by the juvenile system.  Vicky continues to honor her son, Kirk, and be a strong voice for fair treatment of youthful offenders – treatment that is not only better for the youth but also benefits the community.