Time is ticking

Hi Everyone,

If you haven't signed the petition please do so ASAP . Time is ticking. Michigan has already passed the Juvenile Restorative Justice Bill which is exactly like ACT 539.The bill also includes limitations on the use of juvenile solitary confinement and appropriates funds for community-based prevention and diversion programs.

Conditions of Confinement
The use of solitary confinement is now prohibited in Illinois unless a young person poses an immediate and serious risk of self-harm or harm to others. Facilities must also document all instances in which room confinement is used as well as any restrictions on access to programming and services while the young person is in isolation. A monthly report must be submitted to the ombudsman for the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice. Montana lawmakers narrowed the circumstances in which restraints can be used on youth during court proceedings. For children under 10, restraints cannot be used under any circumstance. Youth 10 or older can only be restrained during a court proceeding if there is substantial risk of harm to self or others or risk of absconding.

Juvenile Life Without Parole
Juvenile life without parole is now statutorily prohibited in Illinois, New Mexico and Minnesota.

Illinois abolished life without parole for young people convicted of first-degree murder. Under the new law, young people serving life sentences for crimes committed when they were under the age of 21 will be eligible for parole after 40 years. 

In New Mexico, individuals serving a life sentence for a crime committed before the age of 18, will be eligible for a parole hearing after serving 15, 20, or 25 years depending on the offense. Similarly, young people in Minnesota sentenced to life in prison will now be eligible for parole after 15, 20, or 30 years of time served.

Time for Arkansas to get on the boat!