17-year-olds arrested for non-violent offenses will now be prosecuted through the juvenile judicial system, instead of the adult justice system. It’s the result of legislation approved in 2016. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary, Dr. James Bueche, says while they don’t expect to get any new arrivals until mid-month, it’ll be a smooth process, because they will not be treated any differently.
“We’re going to consider them a kid, even though they are coming in at an older age. We have changed any policies or protocols are how we are going to deal with the population,” said Bueche
Louisiana was previously part of a small minority of states to prosecute 17-year-olds as adults in all cases.
With a larger population comes costs concerns. Critics of raising the age have pointed out that the juvenile system spends more money on programs to help young offenders that would be spent on a 17-year-old in adult jail. Bueche said he hopes the state delivers enough cash to maintain the program’s effectiveness.
“We have hired additional probation staff to do the supervision at the community level, but again, it is contingent on being able to get those funds, and again, we are hopeful that we’ll be able to be fully funded moving forward,” said Bueche.
Despite an increase in costs to the system, Bueche said it’s worth it. The doctor says the juvenile justice system is far better equipped to help rehabilitate young people.
“From an outcomes standpoint, it’s going to be much better from going into an adult prison. We provided individualized services. There’s counseling, therapy, educational services,” said Bueche.
