The New York Times recently published an editorial about a bill that I've had the pleasure of working on for some time. Re-Direct New York legislation (S6711-B), sponsored by Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn), brings our state a step closer to true justice for youth by reimbursing local governments sensibly for community-based programs for youth and alternatives to detention, rather than only reimbursing for dangerous detention facilities as it does now.
Please read on to learn more, and contact your legislator to support this critical measure. We spend exorbitant sums (over $200,000 per year per youth) to incarcerate one child, which puts them at risk of assault, gang involvement, staff abuse, and educational deprivation. A U.S. Department of Justice investigation laid bare heinous abuses of youth in upstate juvenile prisons. Local detention is also gravely detrimental. Community-based programs are more effective, cheaper (average of $5,000-$17,000 per year per youth), better for public safety, and enable youth to dream of success and find concrete ways to avoid criminal involvement. Governor Paterson's budget proposes to gut crucial youth programs, and we can change that decision.
See your child in every child. Positive change happens in the lives of at-risk youth every day. You can make the difference.
New York Times editorial: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/26/opinion/26mon4.html
New York State Assembly website, where you can find your Assembly member by zip code: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
New York State Senate website, where you can find your Senator by zip code: http://www.nysenate.gov/
Reach me at info@charisasmith.com
www.charisasmith.com
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