Connecticut no longer has the dubious distinction of being one of only three states that tries 16-year-old criminal offenders in adult courts. In January, the state moved many teen cases into juvenile courts, as required by 2007's "Raise the Age" law. Now only North Carolina and New York automatically try children under 17 in adult courts.
A 2009 report from the National Juvenile Justice Network and the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance praised the changes in Connecticut legal practice. The report also noted that a move toward more prevention and early intervention was reaping rewards. According to the report, the caseloads in juvenile courts are one-third smaller than they were five years ago.
Connecticut has become a national juvenile justice model, a big step forward from being the target of lawsuits. In 1993, advocates sued to change cruel and dangerous conditions for young prisoners, who were denied education, medical treatment and even bathroom access.
State legal systems nationwide have seesawed on juvenile justice in the past 30 years. Youth violence increased between 1970 and 2000, and many concerned citizens pushed legislators to get tough on crime and to try juvenile criminals in adult courts.
Many states subsequently reversed their decisions, re-expanding the juvenile courts system. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, data showed more recidivism among juveniles who had spent time in adult facilities. The numbers suggest that prevention, intervention and treatment are more effective.
Many states still treat and try 17-year-olds as adults, but use juvenile courts for 16-year-olds.
Connecticut's law was in part prompted by a 2004 suicide of a 17-year-old boy who was being held pre-trial in an adult jail. Other stories pointed to the need and opportunity for early intervention and prevention strategies for juveniles.
The state legislature appointed a committee to study the problem and concluded teens needed to be moved to the juvenile courts system.
