An article in the Seattle Times describes a prison being designed in Connecticut specifically for inmates between 18-25 year old, addressing their unique issues. This prison, designated by a Connecticut state initiative, will reportedly be the first in the country of its kind.
The theory behind this model is based on research involving youth brain development, specifically that the brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. Chief criminal justice adviser Michael Lawlor describes some of the concepts involved with this specialized prison. The thought is that focusing the treatment and work with younger inmates can have success in changing the course of their lives. Prison staff would receive special training and the treatment and curriculum would be tailored to the population.
Another potential benefit to the age-specific prison is the separation of younger inmates from the influence and manipulation of older inmates. Lawlor noted, “Having a 21-year-old kid hanging around with a career criminal, bank robber and murderer probably doesn’t make a lot of sense.
The conceptual model of this prison seeks to move toward a system that emphasizes rehabilitation and away from a system that has prioritized punishment and retribution. The goal is to target the impulsivity and developmental distinctiveness of the population and structure accordingly, ultimately aiming to reduce recidivism and crime rates.
They will reportedly be using one of the state’s existing 18 prisons for this design, looking toward the prison system’s existing budget for funding before determining what else is needed.
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Decisions made early in life can have heavy impact on one’s future. High quality, thorough legal representation is essential for young people in this age range facing criminal convictions. Consequences can be great and our goal is to protect the records of our clients so lapses in judgment do not foreclose opportunities. Consider that the following can be negatively impacted by Minor DUI, drug crimes, and other criminal convictions:
- College Admissions
- Eligibility for Federal Student Loans
- School or College suspensions
- Suspension or Revocation of Driver’s License
- Future employment opportunities
- Ability to enlist in Military
- Ability to travel to Canada or other countries
These are significant charges and you should not try to tackle them without experienced counsel to advise you appropriately and advocate on your behalf.