S.254 Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act of 1999

For immediate release May 18, 1999
Call your Senators TODAY!

The U.S. Senate will continue debating S. 254, the Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act of 1999. In its current form this bill weakens core protections for children and does not do enough to keep our children safe and out of trouble. S.254 contains misguided provisions that strip away vital protections for children. If passed:

More children will be at risk of assault and abuse in adult jails.

Undermines states efforts to address the disproportionate number of minority children in the juvenile justice system.

Fails to ensure that prevention funding will be allocated or even spent on prevention programs.

Fails to address the mental health needs of at-risk children or children who have already come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

PLEASE CALL YOUR SENATORS IMMEDIATELY (202-224-3121) AND URGE THEM TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE S.254!

Senators John Chafee (R-RI) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA):
Protecting children in adult jails amendment – This amendment would ensure children would not be subject to assault or abuse from adult inmates in adult jails.

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA):
Disproportionate Minority Confinement Amendment – This amendment would ensure that states continue to address efforts to reduce the disproportionate number of minority youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

Senators John Chafee (R-RI) and Herbert Kohl (D-WI):
Prevention Amendment – This amendment would ensure that the prevention block grant is solely dedicated for prevention purposes.

Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Edward Kennedy (D-MA):
Prevention Amendment – This amendment would ensure that funding is dedicated to prevention.

Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN):
Mental Health Amendments – These amendments would provide mental health services to at-risk children and children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and Richard Durbin (D-IL):
Gun Amendments – These amendments would reduce access and availability of guns to children.

Senator Herbert Kohl (D-WI):
Child Safety Lock Gun Amendment – This amendment would require child safety locks on all guns that are sold.

The American Probation and Parole Association supports these amendments and strongly urges you to contact these Senators immediately. It is our vision to see a fair, just and safe society for all. S.254 in its current form does not support our vision.