Policy Agenda 2010

CLOSING JUVENILE PRISONS

As a result of a steady decrease in the population of incarcerated youth and a targeted advocacy campaign by the CA and its allies, over the last two years New York State has closed or downsized 14 juvenile placement facilities and evening reporting centers. Governor Paterson’s 2010-2011 Executive Budget, released in late January, calls for the consolidation and downsizing of four additional facilities.

The CA-led Juvenile Justice Coalition will continue advocating for the closure of dangerous and under-utilized facilities for youth, beginning with a campaign aimed at pressuring New York City to defund the notorious Spofford Juvenile Center, also known as “Bridges.” The Project will release a policy report this spring that shows how expanded diversion initiatives can successfully reduce the need for secure detention and allow the City to close the facility without any increased risk to public safety.

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