{news} Proposed agenda for 11-27-07 SCC meeting - Raise the Age coalition

[David Bedell]

Here is a proposal regarding another coalition which I think the CTGP should
join. Last week the Fairfield chapter met and agreed we should support this.
If it can be added to Tuesday's SCC agenda, great, but if it will take too
much time, then it can be postponed, as the Indian Point proposal is urgent
and should take precedence.  I will not be at the meeting, but I'm hoping
Richard can represent the Fairfield chapter in presenting this proposal.
Cliff Thornton also knows about it and may be able to speak on it.

PROPOSAL

PRESENTER (committee, chapter(s) or group of individuals): Fairfield County
chapter, Cliff Thornton

CONTACT (name, address, phone number, email):  David Bedell, 12 Ardsley Rd,
Stamford, CT 06906, 203-581-3193, dbedellgreen(at)hotmail.com; Richard
Duffee, 203-588-0161, richard.duffee(at)gmail.com; Cliff Thornton,
860-657-8438, efficacy(at)msn.com

SUBJECT (10 words or less): Trying Youth As Adults

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE (100 words or less; include relationship, reasons
and/or justification to the State Central Committee):
    Connecticut is one of 3 states (with New York and North Carolina) that
require all arrested 16- and 17-year-olds to appear in adult criminal court
and to be incarcerated with adults.  The CT Juvenile Justice Alliance/CT
Campaign 4 Youth Justice is seeking to change this practice and is seeking
partners to support the Raise the Age Position Statement.
    The national Green Party Platform 2004 clearly states (under Social
Justice, II.H.4.):  "Juvenile offenders must not be housed in needlessly
restrictive settings. They must never be housed with adults.”

PROPOSAL (200 words or less):
The CT Green Party shall endorse the Raise the Age Position Statement
encompassing these key points:
    * Connecticut's 16- and 17-year-olds should not be automatically tried
and incarcerated in the adult criminal justice system.
    * The jurisdiction of the Juvenile Matters section of the Superior Court
for delinquency and Family With Service Needs should be raised to 18.
    * We support balanced and restorative justice for children and youth
involved in the juvenile justice system; i.e. personal accountability,
competency development and community protection.

For more info and a list of participating organizations, see
http://www.raisetheagect.org