It was with great consternation that I read that New York State is one of only two states that incarcerates juveniles with adult criminals.
This issue is not political but a human one.
It may appear to be a costly measure because of the rehabilitative services which would be available in a facility supervised by Family Court.
When we think about the exposure these youngsters 16 and 17 years have to adult criminals and the negative behavior they learn we are not creating productive citizens.
In the long term we would be saving money and have a safer society.
I strongly urge state Sen. Elaine Phillips to follow Gov. Cuomo, state Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan,and state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s lead in supporting legislation to raise the age of incarceration to 18.
Judith Ludwig Levine
Great Neck
