Take A Bold Step for NY Youth - Raise the Age Today!

Did you know that New York and North Carolina are the only two states in the country that automatically arrest and prosecute 16 and 17-year-olds as adults? In this year’s New York State budget, Governor Cuomo allocated $135 million to fix this outdated policy and implement comprehensive juvenile justice reform (“Raise the Age” legislation). But this funding will only become available if Raise the Age legislation is passed before the end of session next week!

Tell Governor Cuomo and the Legislature that we must “Raise the Age” in New York State!

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Raise the Age of Criminal Responsibility!

Dear [Decision Maker],

I am writing to you because I want New York to RAISE THE AGE of criminal responsibility! It's time to treat children as children, and stop the pipeline to prison that all too often results in marginalized lives, incarceration and long-term collateral consequences.

I am grateful that the New York State Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 includes funding to Raise the Age. I am urging you to take the next step by passing comprehensive Raise the Age legislation this session. A comprehensive approach is in the best interests of New York's youth, communities and public safety, as well as the State's economy.

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Treating children as adults in the criminal justice system is short-sighted and ineffective. Youth incarcerated in adult facilities are more likely to suffer physical and emotional abuse, and to recidivate. I urge you to ensure that raise the age legislation includes the following key provisions to improve outcomes for our state:

- Parental notification of arrests for 16 and 17 year olds.
- No youth ages 16 or 17 years old in adult prisons or jails where they are more susceptible to abuse and suicide than adults.  
- Expanded diversion, and other age-appropriate services, including alternatives to detention and incarceration, to provide youth with services proven to reduce their likelihood of re-offending; 
- Broadened eligibility for conditional sealing of records for certain crimes, to better address the collateral consequences of court involvement and help youth become more successful adults.

Rather than continuing to lock young people up in adult facilities, it is critical for New York to ensure that that youth involved in the criminal justice system are provided with court processes, services and placement options that are developmentally appropriate. New York State cannot remain one of only two states to automatically process youth as young as 16 in an adult system.

Children and youth cannot wait--please Raise the Age today!

Your Constituent and Dedicated Child Advocate,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]