By Cynthia Nunes, Decarceration Campaign Coordinator, at Urban Peace Movement.
Alameda County’s new District Attorney, Ursula Jones Dickson, recently stated her intention to resume transferring youth into the adult criminal justice system, despite overwhelming evidence of lifelong harm.
The practice of transferring youth into adult prison systems also disproportionately impacts Black and Brown youth. Black and Brown youth are statistically more likely to be viewed as older than they are — a phenomenon known as adultification. This kind of misperception leads to harsher punishments by the criminal justice system and less overall protection and investments in their wellbeing.
Transferring children into the adult criminal justice system inflicts lasting trauma rather than providing support and rehabilitation, and these effects ripple throughout the community. We have different systems for youth and adults in education and social welfare – and with good reason. Neuroscience shows that young people go through a rapid period of brain development, and that punitive measures during this critical period can have negative lifelong consequences. We should be investing in interventions that support rehabilitation and accountability and help young people get back on track. Some of these investments include mentorship programs, access to mental health programs, and school-based interventions. These strategies are proven to reduce repeat offenses.
Currently Alameda County spends between $600,000 to $800,000 to incarcerate a youth every year. Youth of color make up 96.5% of incarcerated youth in Alameda County’s youth justice system. Compare this to per pupil spending in school districts throughout Alameda County, which is less than $20,000 every year. These disparities reveal where our priorities lie, and they must change.
We agree that in certain situations such as homicide, more serious interventions are necessary. Justice should focus on accountability, transformation, and genuine public safety; not perpetuating cycles of harm. Imagine what could happen if instead of incarcerating these young people, they received the resources they needed to take accountability for their mistakes and make positive contributions back in our communities.
We urge DA Ursula Jones Dickson to reconsider her policy stance on transferring youth into the adult criminal justice system. We urge DA Dickson to prioritize healing over harm and invest in real solutions that keep our youth and communities safe.
Editor’s Note: Oakland Voices received this statement from Change Consulting, on behalf of Urban Peace Movement.
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