Liz Ryan advocates for Vermont's raise the age law for young adults
March 22, 2025 | Judiciary, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss significant issues surrounding the state's juvenile justice system, particularly the implementation of the "raise the age" law for 19-year-olds. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including Liz Ryan, a former administrator at the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
During the session, committee members examined the current status of youth cases under the existing law. A representative noted that there are currently nine youth classified as "raise the age" individuals, with three specific cases highlighted. This indicates a small but notable portion of the youth population involved in the juvenile justice system, raising questions about the effectiveness and reach of current policies.
Liz Ryan strongly advocated for the removal of the pause on HR 2, which pertains to the "raise the age" initiative. With over 25 years of experience in juvenile justice, Ryan emphasized the importance of treating young individuals within family court rather than adult criminal courts. She cited research on adolescent brain development, which supports the notion that young people are still maturing and have a significant capacity for change.
Ryan urged the committee to continue investing in strategies that promote education, employment, and mentorship for youth, rather than criminalizing behaviors that could be addressed more effectively in family court. She highlighted Vermont's leadership in juvenile justice reform and the need to support youth in their development, advocating for policies that align with evidence-based practices.
The discussions at the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to reform the juvenile justice system in Vermont, with a focus on supporting young individuals and reducing their involvement in the criminal justice system. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the proposed changes to the "raise the age" law and its implications for youth in the state.
During the session, committee members examined the current status of youth cases under the existing law. A representative noted that there are currently nine youth classified as "raise the age" individuals, with three specific cases highlighted. This indicates a small but notable portion of the youth population involved in the juvenile justice system, raising questions about the effectiveness and reach of current policies.
Liz Ryan strongly advocated for the removal of the pause on HR 2, which pertains to the "raise the age" initiative. With over 25 years of experience in juvenile justice, Ryan emphasized the importance of treating young individuals within family court rather than adult criminal courts. She cited research on adolescent brain development, which supports the notion that young people are still maturing and have a significant capacity for change.
Ryan urged the committee to continue investing in strategies that promote education, employment, and mentorship for youth, rather than criminalizing behaviors that could be addressed more effectively in family court. She highlighted Vermont's leadership in juvenile justice reform and the need to support youth in their development, advocating for policies that align with evidence-based practices.
The discussions at the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to reform the juvenile justice system in Vermont, with a focus on supporting young individuals and reducing their involvement in the criminal justice system. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the proposed changes to the "raise the age" law and its implications for youth in the state.
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