Raise the Age

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Raise the Age

Dear [Decision Maker],

Please support a bill that would return 17-year-old youth to the juvenile justice system! The Republicans and Democrats have worked on separate bills. Please come together to agree on a way to support Wisconsin youth.

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As a person of faith and your constituent, I am asking that you support a bill currently being discussed in the legislature to return 17-year-old youth to the juvenile justice system.  Please ensure that the bill include all youth who are 17 years old.  A judge could still waive a youth into the adult system, but having the adult court system be the automatic placement for 17-year-olds is unfair and impractical.

Currently, we are one of only three states that still automatically treats 17-year-olds as adults.  The majority of our country's statehouse leaders understand that youth 17 years old sent through the adult criminal justice system leads to higher recidivism rates, higher government spending, higher racial disparities, and worse outcomes for young people.

Youth sent to adult facilities are less safe.  They are significantly more at risk of  experiencing physical assault, sexual abuse, and suicidal ideation than their counterparts in juvenile facilities.

Moving 17-year-olds back into the juvenile justice system opens the door to age-appropriate rehabilitation that ensures young people are less likely to return to the justice system and more likely to live a healthy, successful life. This proper care makes our communities safer, lowers state spending, and addresses some of the underlying causes of why youth end up in the justice system. It is no wonder why Raise the Age is supported by Republicans, Democrats, and Independents across the state; it is simply good policy that benefits all of us.

You are positioned to help our young people. We ask what is beneficial practically and economically, but also, we ask about what is right. What does God want for our young people in Wisconsin?

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]