How Young Is Too Young? Trying Children As Adults and The Sentencing Project Researches and Advocates For Reform At The State and Federal Levels

Tracy McClard on FORJ

About two years ago Jaws of Justice Radio spoke with Tracy McClard about her son who at 17 was sentenced to 30 years as an adult. He committed suicide after being sent to an adult prison and being assaulted other prisoners. Tracy and her husband are spearheading an effort in Missouri called Family and Friends Organizing For Reform of Juvenile Justice (FORJ).

Tracy explains to host Margot Patterson how parents lose the legal right to be involved in the defense of a child once they are deemed an adult by the court. In Missouri children as young as 12 can be certified as adults. She also talks about the Dual Jurisdiction program in Missouri that has a 90% + record of turning young people around without sending them to adult prison. Learn about Johnathan’s Law that requires the courts to submit juveniles certified as adults to be recommended to the Dual Jurisdiction program.

Contact FORJ
website http://www.forj-mo.org/
Email: [email protected]
573-837-7346
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Nichole Porter on The Sentencing Project

Host Allie Catherine Bush talks with Nichole Porter of the Sentencing Project about their efforts to reform sentencing laws on the Federal and State level. The Sentencing Project does research and advocates for reform of destructive guidelines and mandatory minimums. They use their research to help state and the federal government develope sentencing guidelines that are effective in rehabilitation thus reducing prison populations and programs that lower recidivism rates. They address Issues of Incarceration, racial disparities, drug policy, felony disenfranchisement and more.

Contact the Sentencing Project
To: Nicole D. Porter
Director of Advocacy
The Sentencing Project
1705 DeSales Street NW, 8th Floor
Washington DC, 20036
(202) 628-0871
(202) 628-1091 fax
www.sentencingproject.org


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