Thank Sen. Pou for her leadership on Juvenile Justice reform

The reforms signed into law by Governor Christie yesterday will continue to make New Jerseys juvenile justice system smarter and safer.  Please thank Senator Nellie Pou for her leadership in working with all stakeholders to reach consensus on this legislation and successfully advancing the bill forward. The bill

• eliminates the use of solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure in juvenile facilities and detention centers, and places time limits on the use of solitary confinement for reasons other than punishment, such as safety concerns.
• increases the age a juvenile can be “waived” into adult court, from 14 to 15 and narrowed the list of applicable offenses. Sentences for youth waived to adult court may still be served in a youth facility until the age of 21 and the youth may remain there beyond that time at the discretion of the Commission.
• requires the Juvenile Justice Commission to collect and publish data.

Thank Senator Pou for her efforts in this important step forward for youth in NJ.