As the school year begins for tens of thousands of New York high school graduates, many are embarking on new educational journeys or entering the workforce. However, not all young people are granted the same opportunities, particularly those impacted by the justice system. As the former superintendent of New York City’s District 79, which includes alternative schools serving vulnerable populations, I have witnessed firsthand the profound challenges faced by these students.
My introduction to justice-impacted youth began over 30 years ago at Island Academy, a school on Rikers Island. I met a young student grappling with a learning disability, substance use disorder, homelessness, and pregnancy. It struck me that these students were not inherently different from my own children; rather, they were victims of a failing education system and inadequate support services.
The Importance of Educational Support
Throughout my 34 years in District 79, I observed that many of my students faced immense obstacles but were determined to make the most of their educational opportunities. This determination was matched by the commitment of our faculty to help them succeed.
The passage of New York’s Raise the Age law was a significant step forward, shifting 16- and 17-year-olds from adult jails to juvenile detention centers focused on youth development. However, while this change is commendable, it’s not enough. The late teenage and early adult years are crucial for long-term success, and the support provided during this time can shape their futures significantly.
Legislative Solutions: The Youth Justice and Opportunities Act
The proposed Youth Justice and Opportunities Act aims to extend protective measures to those aged 19 to 25 who face arrest. This legislation seeks to provide access to diversion programs, record-sealing, and alternatives to incarceration, which can help young adults move away from the criminal justice system and toward rehabilitation. By prioritizing mental health treatment, educational interventions, and mentorship, we can give these young people a chance to learn from their mistakes.
It’s essential to recognize that young adults continue to need guidance and support well into their mid-twenties. Many of the students I encountered were eager to take responsibility for their education, motivated not by requirement but by a genuine desire to improve their lives.
Building Connections to Education and Career Opportunities
During my tenure, we established partnerships with the City University of New York (CUNY) to facilitate college recruitment for students upon their release. We also connected with vocational training programs to ensure that those interested in trades had a seamless transition. One former student traveled daily from Far Rockaway to Manhattan to pursue a career in vision care technology—an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education and support.
At East River Academy, educators and counselors strive to meet justice-impacted students where they are, yet it is crucial that such support is not contingent upon detention. Many community organizations across New York State are eager and prepared to assist these young adults in their journeys.
The Path Forward: A National Leader in Youth Justice
I have witnessed remarkable transformations among students who were once incarcerated, such as a mother’s emotional reaction during a GED ceremony when she proudly shared that her son was now attending college after being incarcerated.
Since its inception in 1983, District 79 has been a pioneer in providing quality education for court-involved youth, focusing on solutions rather than punishment. The Youth Justice and Opportunities Act represents another opportunity for New York to lead the way in youth justice reform. Young people should not be defined by their mistakes but supported in their growth and potential.
By investing in education and support for justice-impacted youth, we can help shape a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
