Justice for our young people 18 to 20 years old? Do they belong in the juvenile justice system? That will be our discussion of proposed new legislation by Representative Kay Khan on Zoom January 10 at 7 PM. The League of Women Voters of Westwood Walpole Dedham will present this forum to better educate ourselves and the community on the issues involved.

Kay Khan is a lead sponsor of legislation that will keep 18- to 20-year-olds in the juvenile system where they will have increased access to alternative activities, record protections, education, and rehabilitation. The juvenile system has greater opportunities for formal and for low level criminal arrest. Young people incarcerated in the adult system recidivate at more than DOUBLE the rate of similar youth exiting Department of Youth Services statistically. Massachusetts spends the most money to generate the worst outcomes for older teens. Young men of color bear the harshest brunt of the current policies.

This proposed legislation is a priority of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts.

Kay Khan is the representative for the northern half of Newton, serving in her 13th term. She is the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. Her other committees focus on diversity, issues with women, sexual abuse, and justice reform.

You may access the program here.

Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to all men and women, 16 years and older. Please email LWVWWD [at] gmail.com for information on membership.

Democracy is not a spectator sport!