Murphy Introduces Legislation To Reform Federal Juvenile Justice Policy

Press Release

Murphy Introduces Legislation To Reform Federal Juvenile Justice Policy

Today, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) reintroduced his legislation to reform federal juvenile justice policy to mirror many of the successes in juvenile justice reform in Connecticut. Every day, 90,000 youth in our country are incarcerated in juvenile correctional facilities - many for noncriminal acts such as running away or violating curfew laws. Even more shockingly, 7,500 of our nation's young people sit in adult jails on any given day, increasing these youths' likelihood of recidivism, victimization, and suicide.

By placing youth involved in the juvenile and adult criminal justice system in developmentally-appropriate and safe environments and by using evidenced-based rehabilitative programs and services, Murphy believes youth involved in these systems can emerge as positive and productive members of the community and workforce.

"We are missing an opportunity to help these kids get back on the right track. By keeping kids out of adult lock ups and investing in reform programs that are actually proven to work, we could give them a chance to lead a productive life, keep them out of jail in the future, and improve the safety of our communities," said Murphy.

Murphy is pushing for Congress to consider the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevent Act (JJDPA) this Congress, and include his legislation, the Juvenile Justice Improvement Act, in its overhaul.

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