It’s important to create opportunities for North Carolina’s youth to succeed. We don’t accomplish that goal when we send 16- and 17-year-olds through the adult court system for minor crimes, hindering their chances of a truly successful and productive life by handing them an adult record that they keep for the rest of their lives.
Research has shown that in key ways, the teen brain doesn’t look like that of an adult until the early 20s, which means the part of the brain involved in keeping emotional, impulsive responses in check is still reaching maturity. Teens need an environment that helps them explore and experiment while avoiding behavior that is destructive to themselves and others. This cannot be done in the adult prison system, but they can receive much needed rehabilitation and treatment, along with family involvement, through the juvenile justice system.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina supports the Raise the Age bill, Senate Bill 434, because not only are youth losing opportunities due to minor acts of impulsivity, but our youth who are living with mental illnesses and committing crimes are losing much needed time to receive treatment and supports that can help them lead more stable, successful lives.
Jennifer Rothman
Young Families Program Director, NAMI-NC
Raleigh