Second Phase of New York's Raise the Age Law Now In Effect

The second phase of the Raise the Age law is in effect, creating a fairer and more equitable justice system by removing 17-year-olds who have committed criminal acts from automatically proceeding as adults in the criminal justice system. The change was effective midnight on October 1. Those youth will now be treated in age- and developmentally-appropriate ways and will receive needed services and treatment to avoid re-offending. The first phase of Raise the Age, implemented one year ago, similarly removed 16-year-olds from the adult criminal justice system. Raise the Age provides opportunities for diversion and community-based services for 16- and 17-year-old youth who can safely remain in their communities.

"Raise the Age is now fully implemented, righting the injustice of treating teenagers as adults and successfully meeting our youth justice policy objectives," Governor Cuomo said. "By fully implementing the second phase of Raise the Age, 16-year-old and now 17-year-old youth are required to receive the evidence-based services and treatment they need to prevent them from re-offending and to prepare those returning to the community to be successful and productive citizens."

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Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo