The harms of the criminal legal system are well known; the ineffectiveness of a strictly punitive approach toward juvenile crime even more so. Supporting a child, as the Mayor did recently, who has proven their desire to take accountability and make personal change should not be demonized. It should be championed and replicated.
In our collective efforts for accountability, particularly for children, we must also prioritize paths for rehabilitation, growth and success. It does not diminish the harm caused by their actions, but instead, offers the opportunity to prevent further community harm. We should all rally around our community’s kids to support their growth in productive and meaningful ways. If not, we will remain on the generational hamster wheel of harm and loss. Simply put, kids can change and we should do everything to support them.
