CFYJ Applauds New York City’s Board of Corrections for Banning Solitary Confinement at Riker’s Islands for Inmates 21 and Under
WASHINGTON (January 14, 2015) – The Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ) applauds New York City’s Board of Corrections for approving a measure that would eliminate the use of solitary confinement at Rikers Island for all inmates age 21 and under, and would also reduce solitary confinement for all prisoners to no more than 30 consecutive days. The policy change was approved unanimously and places Riker’s Island at the forefront of national jail reform efforts.
The following is a statement from CFYJ CEO, Marcy Mistrett applauding the Board of Corrections on taking this important step:
“Family after family has shared stories with us regarding the unnecessary harm caused to their young ones when placed in solitary confinement in an adult jail or prison. The United States now holds far more prisoners in solitary than any other nation; the go-to policy of many jails and prisons to “protect” youth from these conditions is solitary confinement. No child belongs in prison and this change of practice is just indicative of the underlying issues when housing youth in ill equipped facilities meant to punish and not rehab,” said Mistrett. “It is great news that New York City has stopped this torture at Rikers, first with 16 and 17-year-olds, now with those under the age of 21. We were pleased to learn of these developments, and look forward to hearing more in the coming days and weeks on more developmentally appropriate ways to treat youth incarcerated in the criminal justice system. ”
About The Campaign for Youth Justice:
CFYJ is dedicated to ending the practice of trying, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under 18 in the adult criminal justice system. The Campaign works in partnership with state-based campaigns in a number of states. We serve as a clearinghouse of information on youth prosecuted as adults and make our tools and resources available to those interested in learning and taking action on an issue that personally affects them.