In a victory for local social justice groups and community activists, the Onondaga County Legislature voted earlier this month to ban youth solitary confinement in all county detention centers and jails.

These groups, including the Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse, have fought to end youth solitary confinement for years. Craig French, an interim director of ACTS, said the county legislature’s decision gives young people a chance to grow socially and educationally.

“The youth themselves will be really able to be reconnected with families and communities,” French said.

ACTS sought to end solitary confinement of 16- and 17-year-olds in county detention facilities. When negotiations were fruitless, the Onondaga County Justice Center and Sheriff’s Office were hit with a lawsuit from the Legal Services of Central New York and the New York Civil Liberties Union.

The lawsuit was settled in June and solitary confinement of youths was stopped in the same month. The settlement also calls for education of youths and an incentive program that encourages positive behavior, according to a press release from the NYCLU.

Outside of solitary confinement, children could be treated in ways that facilitate continued social growth, French said, adding that youth in solitary confinement are often separated from people their age for up to 23 hours at a time.

Solitary confinement can separate children from educational opportunities, he said. ACTS was passionate about the issue because education affects the local community.

“All of the scientific evidence that we have demonstrates that it is not just harmful to the spirit of these young persons … but it actually is injurious to the brain and their future,” French said.

Chris Ryan, an Onondaga County legislator in the eighth district, served as the resolution’s lead sponsor. Ryan said he hopes juveniles will receive a more rehabilitative experience following the ban’s passage.

In the future, Ryan said he anticipates a better way to house and administer juveniles in prison.

Ryan said he learned about youth solitary confinement at an ACTS meeting that he called an educational process. Before the meeting, Ryan was not aware of the negative effects solitary confinement can have on children who are depressed or who have disabilities.

Ryan decided to get involved after he recognized a passion within the local community to ban youth solitary confinement.

Peggy Chase, another Onondaga County legislator who sponsored the bill, said she wants the public to know legislators continue to try to improve area youth incarceration.

One of the current detention centers, she said, is not equipped to care for older and possibly more violent youth offenders. She added that legislators will work to make detention centers safe environments.

The local government, Chase said, is listening to the public.

“I do hope that the message is given that we do listen to (the public’s) concerns, take them seriously and move to make things right,” she said.

Published on September 18, 2017 at 11:38 pm

Contact Ashleigh: amgarris@syr.edu