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Jonathan’s Law Receives Overwhelming Support in Missouri

Posted in 2013, Federal Update Wednesday, 17 April 2013

By Tracy McClard

The Missouri state legislature which began its 2013 session on January 9 and concludes May 17, is giving SB36/HB541- Jonathan’s Law overwhelming support.  Jonathan’s Law was named for Jonathan McClard who lost his life in an adult facility in Missouri right after his 17th birthday.  

Jonathan’s Law gives more youth who are certified as adults, access to Missouri’s Dual Jurisdiction Program operated by Missouri’s Department of Youth Services.   In this program, which was implemented in 1995, youth are kept out of adult facilities and placed in a youth oriented facility that provides education, mental health services, drug rehabilitation, victim empathy, and family involvement all in a space that was created to give youth the services they need to become productive members of society.  

The bill, which is sponsored by Senator Wayne Wallingford and Representative Hicks, has passed the senate judiciary committee, senate floor, and house judiciary committee unanimously.  

For additional information on Jonathan’s Law, click here for our fact sheet.