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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-279
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 11, 2016
To declare the month of October 2016 as “Youth Justice Awareness Month” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, President Barack Obama proclaimed October 2016 as National Youth Justice Awareness Month on September 30, 2016, in order to call for juvenile justice reform nationwide;
WHEREAS, there were 3,141 youth arrested in the District of Columbia in 2015;
WHEREAS, there were 528 District youth committed to the care of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services in 2015;
WHEREAS, there was an average of 17 District youth held by the Department of Corrections in 2015;
WHEREAS, the juvenile justice system does not impact all communities equally;
WHEREAS, in 2015, 90% of youth committed to the care of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services had a mental health diagnosis; 80% had an Individualized Education Plan; 64% were from Wards 5,7, and 8; and 100% were African-American;
WHEREAS, youth may be rehabilitated if provided effective, age-appropriate services and supports;
WHEREAS, effective diversion programs can improve outcomes for youth and reduce recidivism;
WHEREAS, juvenile mandatory minimum and life without parole sentences do not provide a sufficient opportunity for consideration of the differences between youth and adults;
WHEREAS, adult jails and prisons are not well-suited to providing for the safety, welfare, and rehabilitation of youth;
WHEREAS, solitary confinement of youth has been shown to lead to harmful, long-term psychological consequences;
WHEREAS, the impact of rehabilitation programs must be measured to ensure that youth are well-served; and
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia is answering the President’s call by engaging in a collaborative effort to advance comprehensive juvenile justice reform legislation by the end of the year.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Youth Justice Awareness Month Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia declares the month of October 2016 as “Youth Justice Awareness Month” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
