I'm a mother, deeply committed to ensuring the safety, voice, and protection of all children. When I met the mother of 5-year-old girl who was assaulted, my heart broke as she shared her devastating story. Despite the unimaginable harm that befell her daughter; she was told was told that the 8- and 9-year-olds involved could not be charged due to their age. 

As a mom and community leader, I cannot stand idly by in the face of such injustice. In Ohio, our juvenile justice system is failing our children, both victims and those who need intervention at crucial stages of their development. Under current Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code §2152.10–§2152.12), prosecutors are prohibited from transferring juvenile cases to adult court unless the youth is at least 14 years old. As a result, most counties opt not to pursue delinquency cases against children younger than 12, leaving severe cases of physical assault, abuse, or cruelty in a legal limbo where no one is held accountable. This legal loophole means that 8- and 9-year-olds can commit serious acts without any consequences or behavioral interventions, risking further harm to themselves and others. The system currently does not address or rehabilitate young offenders who may need guidance and support to prevent escalation to more serious offenses. 

I propose a change to Ohio’s juvenile justice law to fill this dangerous gap — beginning with mandatory psychological evaluations for any child under 12 accused of a violent act. These evaluations should determine what comes next: whether the child needs intensive therapy, family intervention, or, in the most severe cases, secure placement in a juvenile facility that focuses on treatment and safety.

This isn’t about punishing children — it’s about protecting all children. It’s about facing the reality that violent behavior at 8 or 9 years old signals deep trauma, not “kids being kids.” Ignoring it helps no one — not the victim, not the child who caused harm, not the community that has to face the consequences later. Ohio needs a clear, evidence-based process that starts with professional assessment, then directs each case to the right level of intervention — therapeutic, behavioral, or judicial. Every child deserves a path toward accountability, healing, and safety.

I call on Ohio lawmakers to act urgently and create legislation that requires early evaluation, appropriate intervention, and real accountability for violent juvenile cases under 12. We can protect our kids and rebuild public trust in our system — but only if we stop letting legal loopholes make excuses for violence. 
Let us fight for a robust system that addresses these critical issues and ensures the safety and well-being of all Ohio’s children. Please sign this petition to demand justice reform in Ohio for our youngest and most vulnerable residents. Together, we can make a difference.

Update: Because of your valiant efforts, I was able to retain legal representation for this mother within the first 24 hours. Two out of the three children were charged. More families have been reaching out with similar heinous stories. Please help these families get Justice as well as we continue to fight for justice for this 5 year old girl & other victimized children. We are raising funds solely to continue statewide advocacy and prevention work. Not for the families personal aid. Their gofundme is it the updates. This is strictly for reform.

Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-growing-right-over-wealths-mission?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl%3Af72e2502-dcb7-405f-a659-6573b923e1da