The city Correction Department has completed the move of 16- and 17-year-olds off Rikers Island to juvenile facilities in what Mayor de Blasio on Monday called “an historic day for criminal justice reform.”
“Beginning today, no one under 18 will go to Rikers Island. Kids will be treated like kids instead of adults,” de Blasio said.
“This is an historic moment for criminal justice reform and another step toward replacing Rikers Island with smaller, safer, more humane facilities that are closer to communities and loved ones.”
A new “Raise the Age” state law approved by Gov. Cuomo and the Legislature took effect Monday that treats 16-year-olds accused of crimes as juveniles instead of adults.
The law extends to 17-year-olds on Oct. 1, 2019.
“By raising the age of criminal responsibility, New York is putting an end to an injustice that falls disproportionately on people of color and once again proving that we are the progressive beacon for the nation. In New York, we will never stop fighting for a more equal and more just society for all,” Cuomo said.
The mayor said the city has slashed the juvenile jail population in half as part of an effort to treat accused teens more humanely and prevent recidivism.
New York and North Carolina were the last two states in the nation to charge 16- and 17-year-old’s as adults up until last year when both amended their laws.