Incarceration Of Minors In Adult Jails

8 Editors Commentary A regressive step: Incarcerating adolescents with adults By Gregory K. Fritz, MD. hode Island has finally joined the hold outment already embraced by numerous states to immure teenagers in our adult prison. some(prenominal) months ago, in what was clearly defined as a costs-saving measuring stick the face of a tight budget, the state legislature voted to move 17-year-olds from the Rhode Island Training civilize to the adult prison. Nationally, this trend began in the 1980s as a way to get tough on puerile abuse in response to rising execration rates. Since 1992 most states set about enacted policies that make it easier to prosecute and incarcerate teenagers in the adult bend justice system, thus reversing the regulation of the previous 100 years, during which the juvenile justice system became activate of our social fabric. The period from 1990 cc4 aphorism an increase of everyplace 200% in the number of callowness under age 18 in adult jails, and flight continues upward. Child mental health professionals in Rhode Island were so depress by this decision that over 60 of us belatedly sent a letter to the Speaker of the House, the Senate President and the governor urging them to reverse the decision.

Our arguments ar based on the silk hat evidence available from developmental psychology, forensic psychiatry and neurobiology, and they stand repeating. There ar great(p) reasons that even 17-year-olds put one across desire been denied many another(prenominal) adult privileges, such as voting, joining the war mechanism or legally drinking al cohol. Teenagers brains, personalities, sexu! al identities and behavior patterns atomic number 18 still developing rapidly. In addition, they do not brace the maturity to shake off or ignore require experiences or input in the way adults can. They are wonted(a) to idealize charismatic adults and try to emulate their behavior. Peer interactions are central for teenagers as they seek to move beyond the boundaries of their families. accordingly group activities and peer pressure are essential and full forces...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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