In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant changes in the handling of juvenile delinquency cases following New York State's \"Raise the Age\" legislation. This law, enacted in 2018, shifted the responsibility for prosecuting certain juvenile offenses from the District Attorney's Office to the County Attorney's Office, particularly for individuals under 18. As a result, the County Attorney's Office is now tasked with preparing detailed sworn statements and petitions for juvenile cases, a process that requires extensive review of discovery materials, including body camera footage.

The meeting highlighted a notable increase in the workload for the County Attorney's Office, with projections indicating a rise from eight to potentially 100 petitions filed in the upcoming year. This surge is attributed to a growing number of reported crimes among juveniles and the complexities introduced by new discovery laws, which mandate thorough documentation and review before filing petitions.

Officials expressed concerns about the lack of additional funding to support this increased workload. While the District Attorney's Office has received state aid to help offset their expanded responsibilities, the County Attorney's Office has not seen similar financial support. This discrepancy raises questions about the sustainability of the current system, as the County Attorney's Office may need to request additional personnel in the future to manage the increased caseload effectively.

Moreover, the meeting addressed the financial implications of juvenile detention, with officials noting unexpected bills from other counties for juvenile detentions that had not been previously communicated. The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local government agencies in managing juvenile delinquency cases, particularly in light of unfunded mandates from the state.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the dedication of the assistant county attorneys who have been instrumental in navigating these changes, emphasizing the need for continued support and resources to address the evolving landscape of juvenile justice in the county.