My beliefs about kids in the system

[stephen sydebotham]

BELIEF STATEMENT: I believe children under the age of 18 years old should never be charged, processed or tried in the adult criminal justice system nor serve any time in an adult jail, adult prison or adult mental health facility, but rather serve an age appropriate, quality, safe sentence, in juvenile facilities and/or alternative programs. I believe incarcerated children and teens under governmental supervision should be afforded 1) a developmentally appropriate, quality education, 2) all appropriate and necessary mental and physical health care services and 3) rehabilitative services to successfully reintegrate into society 4) safe and humane treatment and living conditions while incarcerated. I believe children are never adults.