Advocates push for juvenile justice reform

Democrats Want To ‘Ban the Box’ Asking About School Disciplinary History On College Applications

Committee members also heard about the state’s effort to expand Medicaid coverage to include people nearing the end of their incarceration

The Connecticut Justice Alliance (CTJA), an advocacy organization dedicated to ending youth criminalization, released its first comprehensive report about how Connecticut treats children who are accused and convicted of a crime.

The Connecticut Justice Alliance (CTJA), an advocacy organization dedicated to ending youth criminalization, released its first comprehensive report about how Connecticut treats children who are accused and convicted of a crime.

Discussing youth crime and the justice system

In recent years, teenage crime in Connecticut has become a significant issue for law enforcement and local government officials. Car thefts, driven by social media trends, have been a recurring problem, prompting proposals for sentencing reform for repeat juvenile offenders. The Connecticut Justice Alliance is advocating for diversionary opportunities for young offenders.

NBC Face the Facts: Discussing youth crime and the justice system

In recent years, teenage crime here in Connecticut has been a major concern for police departments and mayors alike.

One example: car thefts spurred by a post on TikTok led to a string of thefts of Hyundais and Kias across our state. And that actually continues today. In fact, Naugatuck reported that problem reemerged this week there.

So during the last legislative session, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin proposed sentencing reform for repeat offenders including juveniles. That proposal was signed by mayors and police chiefs across the state. But should we continue in that vein?

NBC Connecticut's Mike Hydeck spoke with Christina Quaranta, the executive director of the Connecticut Justice Alliance.

(WFSB) Should children under 18 be locked up? The CT Justice Alliance says no.

The CT Juvenile Training school in Middletown cost 56 million to build; it was shut down about 6 years ago. Since then, those under 18 are sent to an adult prison.

“You need somewhere to house people; however, the conversation really should be what are needs of those young people and where can those best be served,” said Christina Quaranta, head of CT Justice Alliance.

The CT Justice Alliance released their youth report today.