Parents have long suspected that their teenagers are more likely to act impulsively, to engage in risky behaviors and to make mistakes than adults. And, thanks to recent research, we now know this is due to anatomical differences in the adolescent brain.
These differences make youth less capable than adults of assessing risks, controlling impulsive behavior, and engaging in moral reasoning. They suggest that youth may be more amenable to rehabilitation. In fact, 90% of adolescents “age out” of delinquent behavior – not becoming criminals as adults.
Based on this research, the Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that sentencing a youth to life in prison without the possibility of parole violates the 8th amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. No one believes a youth who commits a horrific crime shouldn’t be punished. But this new research tells us that, in addition to punishment, children should be given a chance to rehabilitate.
Washington’s juvenile justice system is based on the principle of rehabilitation. During this past legislative session, lawmakers made several positive changes to our state’s juvenile justice system. While still ensuring justice is served, these bills increase our emphasis on rehabilitation.
The first bill will seal juvenile records for non-violent offenders. Before, our state was one of only eight left in the country that kept juvenile records open to the public. This prevented rehabilitated youth from getting a job, renting an apartment or receiving a scholarship for college. Sealing juvenile records will allow young adults a second chance to succeed.
The second bill will prevent youths under age 18 who commit murder from automatically being sentenced to life without the chance of parole. It will allow judges to take a closer look at the cases and evaluate all the circumstances, ensuring fairness.
Everyone who commits a crime should be punished and held responsible for his or her actions. But we must be smart and fair about how we deal with juveniles. Recognizing that rehabilitation is the best option for most youth will save our state money, cut crime rates, reduce generational poverty and allow more people to become productive members of society.