| PHILLY COURTS DOUBLES DOWN ON LOCKING KIDS UP
Just when we thought it was safe(r) to be a kid in Philadelphia, we learn that Philly locks up young people at a rate about four times the national average; more than New York, Chicago or Los Angeles.
In our edition of the POINT. two weeks ago, we shared the welcome news that Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel started an initiative to prevent kids from unnecessarily going to jail when there are better alternatives. It can’t happen fast enough as far as we’re concerned.
A shocking exposé in the Philadelphia Inquirer this week revealed the one-two punch that’s condemning our children. Not only are city judges sentencing young people to longer terms, they’re sending them to institutions where physical and sexual abuse festers. Other cities are taking the lead by investing in programs that give kids the tools to learn from and make amends for their offenses; Philly seems to be doubling down on its desire to lock kids away. “While the city is home to 13% of Pennsylvania’s teenagers, it accounts for almost half the state’s bookings into juvenile detention,” wrote Investigador reporter Samantha Melamed.
We know the horrors that kids are exposed to when they’re locked up. Wordsworth Academy, Glen Mills, and the Lima detention facility have all been shut down in the past few years because of the appalling sexual and physical abuse. But the problem persists. Melamed’s exposé revealed that young boys were beaten up and restrained right in front of other staff and residents (photo above). One can only recoil at the thought of what may happen behind closed doors.
The Office of the Youth Ombudsperson (OYO) reported last week that kids at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center were subject to prolonged solitary confinement. “It is not only inhumane, but harmful, to lock children in rooms for extended periods of time, denying them education and contact with their families and support systems. Restrictive interventions like seclusion worsen children’s mental health and can also lead to physical injuries – even death,” said Stefanie Arbutina, Children First’s Director of Vulnerable Youth Policy.
Children First and our partners fought for the creation of the Ombudsperson just for situations like this – so families have an independent office to investigate and address abuses. Not to rest on our laurels, we’ve had plans in the works for months to advance policies that will reduce the number of institutionalized kids and improve community safety.
Kudos to Councilmembers Rue Landau and Anthony Phillips for being ahead of the game on this critical issue – their previously planned a formal briefing next Thursday on the Philadelphia juvenile justice system is perfect timing. Children First, of course, will be there! And, on a statewide level as a lead partner in the Youth Safety Coalition, we’re working with our partners to pass legislation that puts children and teens on a better path with hope and opportunity.
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