Lawmakers in Baltimore recently approved House Bill 814, which aims to address juvenile justice reform. While the bill has received support from some, others have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the legislation.
Kelly Quinn, managing director of the Choice program at UMBC, believes that charging 10 to 12-year-olds with crimes could be traumatizing and may not lead to better behavior in the future. She emphasizes the importance of providing support and rehabilitation services to young offenders rather than punitive measures.
On the other hand, State’s Attorney Ivan Bates argues that holding children accountable for their actions, even at a young age, is crucial for public safety and preventing repeat offenses. He believes that the bill’s provision for swift court proceedings will help ensure consequences for juvenile offenders.
One contentious issue in the new law is the expansion of the probation period for minors from six months to a year. While Bates sees this as an opportunity for rehabilitation, Quinn raises concerns about the potential negative consequences of a longer probation period for young people.
Both Quinn and Bates agree on the importance of providing support and guidance to children in the juvenile justice system. They emphasize the need for community involvement and rehabilitation services to help young people make better choices and avoid a cycle of repeat offenses.
Overall, the new law aims to strike a balance between accountability and support for young offenders, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Bates emphasizes that the goal is not mass incarceration but rather finding accountability and support for juvenile offenders.
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