Please show your support to dismantle the racial disparities in our local juvenile justice system. This system includes everything from interactions with the police on the street to rehabilitation for juvenile offenders.
Email Emily Dreyfus to add your name to the full letter, which is available by clicking here. It includes detailed suggestions, urging City Council to move solutions forward, such as:
1. Improved Accountability
- Independent oversight of the Police Department
- Police Department participation and accountability, including providing information
2. Better Support for Children and Families
- Prevention services must be improved. Children and families need support, not punishment.
- Procedures at the Court Services Unit intake need to be changed.
- We need to do a better job of educating the community about the juvenile justice system.
3. More fairness: The Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) in Juvenile Justice Task Force needs to assess and improve policies, of the Commonwealth Attorney, Court Services Unit and local judges.
4. The connections with schools must be addressed with renewed attention.
5. Racial disparities in juvenile justice are connected to adult issues and other systemic injustices. The original report about by the Commission on Children and Families (2011) showed additional disparities in mental health, physical health and foster care. We also know that today’s youth offenders may be tomorrow’s adult offenders. Dismantling racial disparities in these areas need attention and action.
Feel free to let Ms. Dreyfus know if you have any questions. The letter will be given to Council Monday evening, please join us and show your concern if you are able, but take a minute to let her know you want to sign on right now! Click here to see a copy of the letter.