In response to a demand from the Criminal Justice Task Force of the Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse (“ACTS”), County Executive Joanie Mahoney announced changes which will relocate all minor youth currently held at the Onondaga County Correctional facility in Jamesville to the Justice Center downtown. It is expected that the transfer of these incarcerated youth will be completed on Monday, October 19th. Her response was given at an ACTS press conference held on Sunday, October 18, 2105 at Grace Episcopal Church. Reverend Johanna Marcure, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, spoke to the gathering about research which has shown that extreme isolation causes severe emotional and psychological harm, inducing apathy, lethargy, anxiety, depression, despair, rage and uncontrollable impulses, even among the healthy and mentally stable. The United Nations expert on torture called solitary confinement of juveniles “cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.” A statement written by a 17 year old youth participant in The Grace Project who was recently released from the Onondaga Correctional Facility was read: “During my days locked in I battled suicidal thoughts, I talked with myself every day to remain focused, I refused to become what I had seen. To keep above the water is major. This is why incarcerated minds need hope, fair treatment and another option.” Barry Lentz, Chair of the ACTS Research and Action Committee, reacted to the County Executive’s announcement. “While we are very pleased that as of tomorrow, youth will no longer be subjected to solitary confinement, there is work left to do.” The Criminal Justice Task Force will monitor the completion of the relocation and ensure that Sheriff Conway and Justice Center officials provide restorative programs and services alongside appropriate disciplinary procedures. This outcome should embolden ACTS and all concerned citizens to address broader issues such as: acting on Governor Cuomo’s Raise the Age Commission recommendation to enact legislation which will treat 16 and 17 year old youth in the juvenile justice system; join the nationwide movement to end mass incarceration; and to address core social issues of poverty. ACTS believes that incarceration is both a symptom of poverty, and a contributing factor to keeping individuals and communities in a perpetual state of poverty. Thank you for taking the call to ACT and for standing with us as we put an end to the solitary confinement of youth in Onondaga County! Nancy Gwin & Mike Hungerford, Criminal Justice Task Force Chairs