One of the wonderful things about writing this blog is that it addresses core issues that both liberals and conservatives can agree on. Our juvenile justice system has become an expensive behemoth of questionable use – this has been proven by studies on both sides of the political aisle.
Unfortunately today’s political climate of hyperbole and vitriol is not conducive to actually seeing that this common ground exists. Crusading for reform of the juvenile justice system is too often viewed as a purely liberal ideal. Even so, there are conservative organizations that want a transition to non-incarceration based treatments as well. It’s simple good sense because they are vastly more effective and substantially less expensive to the taxpayers. Whether the stated goal is humanitarian or fiscally based the path to reaching it is the same.
One conservative group in Texas, Right on Crime, has taken on what is usually considered a classic liberal position as we approach the tumultuous election season of 2012. James Swift, a writer for the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, brings us some details on the group and it’s goals:
The motto displayed on the Right On Crime website reads ‘fighting crime, prioritizing victims, and protecting taxpayers,’ a creed which [Marc A.] Levin [Director of The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice] reiterated when he said the organization’s primary aspirations are to ‘promote public safety, and also to do so in a cost-effective manner.’ He also said the organization promotes ‘a focus on rehabilitation of youth and adults,’ who he believes can ‘be put on a path to be productive citizens and positive contributors to our society.’
‘Obviously, there have been some conservatives who, historically, have taken a ‘lock ‘em up and throw away the key’ approach,’ Levin said. ‘But crime has been declining in the United States for 17 years in a row.’
Levin said that his organization advocates evidence-based practices and discourages incarceration ‘when it is not necessary.’
‘If you incarcerate someone, it’s almost guaranteed they won’t be paying restitutions,’ he continued. ‘They won’t be paying child support, and they’re obviously not going to earn any income.’
‘Incarceration is necessary in some cases,’ Levin stated, ‘but a lot of times, it’s a child welfare issue.’
Right On Crime will hopefully be coming soon to a state near you. The group is currently finding ways to expand it’s reach into other states. For one example they will be working closely with the Georgia Public Policy Foundation to raise awareness and interest in reforming juvenile justice policies within the state over the next year. They are also reviewing a number of proposals from Washington, DC and possible legislation in California.
These are not conservative or liberal issues, they are human issues. In the midst of the ideological divisiveness our nation currently suffers this is the one clear ground where both sides want the same things, based on the same evidence. What better way to come together than to build a better future for our youth and their communities?
