Florida transfers more children to the adult criminal justice system than any other state. 98% of those minors are transferred by the process of direct file. Children who commit crimes should be held accountable for their actions in the system designed to work with juveniles - not in the adult system. However, as long as the state of Florida tries children as adults, its application should be limited. Additionally, placing youth in solitary confinement as a form of punishment can be harmful and traumatic. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice passed two FCCB supported measures this week that improve the current situation for youth in the criminal justice system. SB 876 (Powell):
We thank the constituents of members of the committee who responded to our action alert and urged a 'yes' vote on these good bills. |