Raise the Age is on the move...

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Change does not happen over night, but Raise the Age is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Under this common sense reform, 16- and 17-year olds who commit misdemeanors would no longer be treated in the adult system. Rather, they would be dealt with in the juvenile justice system, which insists on appropriate punishment & restitution, while strictly monitoring kids' successful return to the mainstream.

Raise the Age Moves to Implementation Review Committee

Dear Friends,

Following unanimous support of a House Judiciary Committee, a bipartisan bill to Raise the Age of juvenile jurisdiction (S434) and even the playing field for North Carolina's youth will move to a research committee to review the steps necessary to fully implement the policy change. Advocates, including conservatives and progressives, say the review is a strong step toward finally changing the state's outdated and counterproductive law.

North Carolina remains one of only two states that automatically prosecute all 16- and 17-year olds as adults - even for something as minor as stealing a bag of Doritos. About 22,000 NC youth suffer because of this nearly 100-year-old law.

"North Carolina's children, families and taxpayers need and deserve a smarter approach to dealing with children charged with misdemeanors," said Rep. Marilyn Avila (R-Wake), one of the bill's chief sponsors. "After achieving strong bipartisan support for raising the age this session, my colleagues and I will now carefully craft the specifics necessary to make this important change a reality. In making the change, we will reduce crime, save taxpayers money and give North Carolina's children the same shot at success as kids in 48 other states."

Last night, leadership agreed to take the logical next step by making raising the age and juvenile justice reform a priority for the Legislative Research Committee. This committee will formally take up juvenile justice reform in the coming weeks.

Last night's decision and the increasing support from legislators, media and allies, proves how far this movement has come. We must continue to educate, engage and organize! We will be in touch soon with next steps regarding the Legislative Research Commission.

Thank you for continuing to stand for youth justice!

For more information about the Raise the Age Campaign, please visit www.ncchild.org or please contact us:

rtagrassrootsnc@gmail.com

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Sincerely,

Action for Children North Carolina

Tax-deductible contributions to Action for Children are needed and greatly appreciated. Donate online at www.ncchild.org, or send a check to: Action for Children North Carolina, 3109 Poplarwood Ct., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27604-1044. Financial information about the organization and its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Brand at 888.830.4989. The license is not an endorsement by the state.

Thank you for helping make North Carolina the best place to be and raise a child!