Frank Palombo - Give youth a chance to succeed by 'Raising the Age'

Too many of North Carolina’s youth are in deep trouble. They’ve made a mistake, committed a minor crime, and now must face the consequences. However, it is the consequences, not the crime itself, that pose the biggest danger – not only to our youth, but to all of us. North Carolina is one of only two states that send all 16- and 17-year-olds who commit nonviolent crimes into the adult justice system. Surprisingly, this practice does not result in a safer society. In fact, the opposite is true – our system threatens to send youth who are at a crossroads in their lives down the path to becoming career criminals.


CONTINUED:http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20111208/COLUMNIST/111209737?Title=Frank-Palombo-Give-youth-a-chance-to-succeed-by-Raising-the-Age-