Did you know that in some states children as young as ten years old can be charged as adults. Ten. 10? Can you believe it? Ten years old!!! Is this really what we’re looking for from our criminal justice system? Ten year olds in adult prisons?!
Fortunately, there are those out there who are trying to change things. Take Brad Lewallen, for instance, a moderator at Justiceforjuveniles.org. And that’s dot-org, as in organization, not dot.com.
I was contacted by Brad recently, and he enlightened me to this terrific organization that is actually trying to make a difference when it comes to the way society treats its youthful violent offenders. In his letter, Brad expressed his appreciation to me “for taking the time and effort to put a human face on the whole controversy surrounding Brandon McInerney and the tragic shooting that’s put him in the limelight.
“This is a terrible situation,” Brad continues, “that will end up with no positive return for either of the families involved. It’s amazing really when you realize how often children are forced into the adult justice system in a search for revenge and retribution.”
MISSION STATEMENT
Justice for Juveniles advertises as a grass roots group of concerned parents, grandparents, teachers, scholars, Internet professionals, legal professionals and many others dedicated to ending the prosecution and adjudications of children as adults.
The goal of their organization is to inform and inspire other citizens to get involved in the effort to bring about these changes—always keeping in mind that children are never adults. Justice for Juveniles joins with other advocate groups to use a global, national, and local approach to bringing American juvenile justice into line with other international child rights standards. “Community support, redirection, and treatment are the foundation of our policy goals,” their Mission Statement claims. They encourage others to join in changing the political tide that encourages state sanctioned child abuse.
SPIRIT OF COOPERATION
Justiceforjuveniles.org has a forum dedicated to the McInerney case along with many others. They’ve also provided a link for the members where they can read my Weblog at www.StolenBoy.com and learn more about the way we’re dealing with problems associated with America’s juvenile justice system.
Brad indicated that those at Justice for Juveniles take great pride in their work and hope “to be agents for change in the way America handles juvenile justice.” And isn’t that a fresh taste of compassion that this world really needs.
Brad also mentioned that a wonderful, selfless woman by the name of Cari Barichello, who acted as one of the founders of Justice for Juveniles, has worked tirelessly for many years helping these children. And one more thing: Justiceforjuveniles.org is different from most organizations in that they encourage the children, if guilty, to accept responsibility for their actions. But they also expect society to work to rehabilitate them. According to Brad, “A child is the easiest to mold and rehabilitate, and I think many people fail to consider that in their haste to blame, convict, and punish.”
Amen, Brad. Keep up the great work. And you too, Cari. And I very much look “forward to working with you in helping the youth of America in learning, growing, maturing, and developing into the responsible members of society we all aspire to be.” Something we all could use a little help in accomplishing.
Check it out for yourself—www.justiceforjuveniles.org.
Michael, thanks for the help in spreading the word about our juvenile justice system. We look forward to working with you and making a difference in the lives of children everywhere.
Cheers,
Brad
I must respectfully disagree. Brandon McInerney willfully, in cold blood and malice, murdered a classmate. He committed the crime of an adult and knew exactly what he was doing and, possibly, the consequences.
As far as children in adult prisons, in Michigan this does not occur. The sentenced juvenile is remanded to Children’s Village until their 19th birthday, when they are then gtransferred to an adult facility. I do not know of the process in other states, but feel that Michigan’s system is quite equitable and humane. I do agree with your objection of putting children in adult prison , but cannot agree with your overall opinion.