If you can’t beat em…shut them down?

Wuddup bloggers & bloggets…

                I was reading one of the articles I found (this time without the help of Ac524) and it was about the infamous California system of justice. The article focused on Jerry Brown’s stance on the DJJ and the plan to shut two of their facilities down, and eventually the rest of the state juvenile justice system.

                I understand that California has had its fair share of scandals within their juvenile facilities. I have seen the pictures, videos, and testimonies that attest to the fucked-upness that defines our justice system. Considering that California as a whole is known to be more humanitarian and just-serving, it is as shocking as it is detrimental to our reputation. Let us back track for one moment:

                After the 2003-04 tapes of several wards being beaten and mistreated by wardens in the California Youth Authority, California was in hot water. Shortly after the fiasco, the CYA did what any logical business that was crashing would do: change the name. Now known as the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), there was hopes that the crimes associated with the CYA would dissolve with time. Unfortunately for the DJJ, the name change did not mean systematic reform- and believe me, the population of Berkeley, Ca alone would be angry and informed enough to continue advocating for reform. Fast forward, and we are here at attempt #2 to uphold California’s liberal and humane reputation: shutting down the state system all together. My question is…will that help ANYTHING?

                California has been issuing budget cuts for most of my adult life now and I have noticed two things the state does not care about: minorities and children…aka the juvenile justice system (in case you have not noticed, there is a large sea of black and brown within such facilities). If there is no money, then regardless of if the state, the county, or the city takes care of the youth they will be swived of the treatment they deserve.

                Now, the Missouri model of juvenile justice is very progressive and successful in the aspects of rehabilitation and they do operate based on county-run facilities. One could argue that California is trying to adapt to that model in this move.

#FALSE.

And if it were true, it would still be a pathetic attempt. California is only looking to save money right now and has a terrible history assigned to the state systems…Basically continuing the DJJ shut down for money and social status…so who is looking out for the forms of human life being affected by this? Sure non-profits like Youth for Justice or the Ella Baker center are doing their best but the stake-holders of the state too often lose sight of what and whom they are in office for.

                *ATTENTION ALL*FREE ADVICE!!*

                Eliminating the system does not fix the system, it just renames it. If we are really, truly interested in reform, then there would be restructuring of programs and possibilities for the youth at risk, previously incarcerated, or currently locked-up. Until then I will not be convinced of the intentions of this government (but to be honest, I probably won’t be convinced of any truths in politicians period).

-J Juvi