Raise the Age has turned juvies into violence-ridden madhouses

New York City’s juvenile detention centers are facing chaos and overcrowding due to recent state reforms like Raise the Age.

A recent Department of Investigations report revealed that Raise the Age, which mandates that 16- and 17-year-old offenders be housed in juvenile detention centers instead of jails, combined with bail reforms, is leading to a surge in older and more dangerous inmates in facilities like Horizon and Crossroads. This has resulted in a significant increase in residents aged 16-21 at these centers, along with a rise in violent charges, including a quadrupling of murder charges.

The facilities are struggling to cope with the influx, with staff noting that the older and more violent population is overwhelming. This has led to a situation where the residents are essentially in control of the facilities.

Incidents of violence, including attacks on both other residents and staff, have become more frequent. The report highlighted a case where two inmates attacked another resident with a razor blade and another where an inmate repeatedly punched a staff member. There have also been threats of further violence from residents.

It is clear that the current disciplinary policies are inadequate for maintaining order in the facilities. The state’s approach of using non-physical tactics and a point system called “STRIVE” to manage behavior has failed, with instances of violence still occurring.

The report recommends stronger disciplinary methods and training for staff in weapons defense and self-defense, which have shown some positive results in reducing assaults. However, the ultimate solution lies in separating violent older teens from the rest of the youth detainee population and reassessing the policies of housing serious offenders in juvenile detention centers.

It is crucial to address these issues by either repealing or amending the Raise the Age policy to ensure the safety and security of both staff and residents in juvenile detention centers.