Newsletter Q1 | Page 6

F. I. R. E.

NEWSLETTER Quarter 3, 2016

Encouragement for

Encouragement for our our Teens & Youth

Teens & Youth

Far too many of our youth still today are caught-up in the criminal justice system. It is as if they are matriculating juvenile offender to misdemeanor offender to felony offender and their final degree, life behind bars. Bad decisions can limit your options. Our youth cannot see beyond their circumstances which limits what they choose to do. Our youth are overwhelmed by circumstances that are everyday tasks for others. The ability to follow through, to stand on their own feet, to be responsible for their own food and clothes, to maintain and be consistent are skills that plague our youth, If they are not used to this they cave in to the pressure to revert back to the“ hustle” they had because it’ s what they know and are comfortable doing. So the cycle continues. There is a lack of perspective.

Juveniles that are raised in homes that lack any form of parental guidance look elsewhere to fill the void.

Two-thirds of released prisoners are rearrested within three years of release.

When these symptoms of neglect are exhibited, our youth are‘ rehabilitated’ or punished in the system.

Young people need an alternative. Oh yes, jail and they get out where do they go? Right back into the environment they know best. They need a replacement.

Putting A Halt To The Revolving Door That Keeps Our Youth In The Criminal Justice System By Regina Nunnally, Felony Defense Attorney

When I stand before the bench with one of our youth at my side, I look and see somebody’ s child. This person has a mother and a father, was raised with extended family members and a church community. This child belongs to somebody and is a part of many. Yet it is easier for us to give the label‘ Bad Child’ and somehow move on as if we are not responsible or obligated. The churches( regardless of denomination) must band together to offer a replacement and be consistent. This would require“ whole villages to raise our children” approach. This would require the powers that be to become more actively involved by getting to know our youth by listening to our youth. This would require a“ renewed mindset”.

Young people live in the now. They do not see or plan for the future. This will require a massive effort and requires long term oversight. The main players: school, churches, businesses and the government must manage this feat. The goal is to rewrite the programmed mind. The mind must believe there is a better way. It takes courage to move from what you know to the unknown. Fear does indeed breed torment. Can we teach an old dog new tricks? Yes, a renewed mind creates a new creation. The old can pass away.

Racial Disparities in Incarceration * African Americans now constitute nearly 1 million of the total 2.3 million incarcerated population * African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites * Together, African American and Hispanics comprised 58 % of all prisoners in 2008, even though African Americans and Hispanics

make up approximately one quarter of the US population * One in six black men had been incarcerated as of 2001. * 1 in 100 African American women are in prison * Nationwide, African-Americans represent 26 % of juvenile arrests, 44 % of youth who are detained, 46 % of the youth who are judicially waived to criminal court, and 58 % of the youth admitted to state prisons( Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice). Source: NAACP. org