Missouri Legislature Unanimously Expands Youth Services for Some Teens Tried as Adults
In the last weeks of May, the Missouri legislature voted
unanimously in favor of S.B. 36, making changes in the state's program
for youth subject to the dual jurisdiction of adult and juvenile courts.
The program allows some youth who have been convicted or pled guilty in
adult court to remain in the custody of Missouri's Department of Youth
Services (DYS). That means they can be housed in a youth-oriented
facility and receive a range of education and counseling services
unavailable to adult offenders.
The bill, also called "Jonathan's Law," was named for Jonathan McClard, a 17-year-old who was sentenced to 30 years in an adult facility. Tragically, McClard lost hope and took his own life. His mother, Tracy McClard, campaigned hard to get the bill passed.
The bill awaits the governor's signature.
Isn't it the hypocrisy to the top?
ReplyDelete17 year olds can not vote, 17 year olds can not be drafted, 17 year olds can not engage in sex.... BUT 17 year olds can be sentenced to 30 years in jail... as adults.......
17 year olds can be sentenced to death, 17 year olds can be sentenced to be put in adult prisons, 17 year olds can be subjected to the most horrendous interrogation methods... as adults.....
The total idiocy to the top!
But then....... it's America.. were everything is possible... and happening!
Have a great Fathers Day.......