It is a happy new year – Jan 3, 2025

There is good news already this year for Philadelphia children and teens – fewer of them will be locked up and more of them are taking advantage of programs that brighten their futures. It hasn’t always been this way.

When Mayor Parker announced Kevin Bethel as the city’s new Police Commissioner last year, we were optimistic.

As Chief of School Safety for the School District of Philadelphia, Bethel expanded school-based diversion programs that supported – not incarcerated – kids. “Safety doesn’t require we criminalize normal adolescent behavior,” Bethel told us in 2021. Arrests in Philly public schools dropped over 90% and students who completed the program were less likely to be subsequently suspended or arrested than those students who were sent to jail.

Commissioner Bethel is taking another step to protect children in a move that closely aligns with the Kids’ Campaign ask of the Parker Administration by keeping more children and teens out of the system. In a nutshell, cops on the street will have the discretion not to arrest a kid causing trouble, taking them home or to a diversion program instead of jail. For higher level offenses, police can take kids to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) instead of a cell block, where they can be referred to an appropriate diversion program. “In lieu of just trying to move that child into the criminal justice system, we want to take an opportunity to see if we can get to the root issue,” he said this week.

With proper training of police officers and regular evaluation of the new process, more children will have a chance to make amends, learn from their mistakes, and have a better outlook on life. This is also a big win for families and communities because we know that diversion programs reduce crime and save money.

The other piece of good news is the historic drop in gun violence. Experts don’t have a definitive reason why, but they point to kids being back in school, more after school and weekend activities, job training programs, and a deep-seated fatigue of all the conflicts. “A lot of young people are involved in more productive things. They’re sick of being in and out of placement and jail,” said Kendra Van de Water, cofounder of violence-reduction program for young people in the criminal justice system.

Philly is doing its part; now it’s Harrisburg’s turn to step up and deliver – not just for Philadelphia but for all PA children. With additional (and constitutionally mandated) school funding, students will get a quality education to set them up for career success and economic stability. Standardizing and expanding diversion programs statewide will allow young people to get the best second chances regardless of where they live. More support of after school programs will open up opportunities for kids – rural, urban, suburban – to feel engaged and hopeful.

The 2025 Legislative session starts on Monday and Children First is ready to tackle these issues and others with your support. Stay tuned.