ACLU of MaineVerified account

Mary Bonuato, GLAD, testified about her experiences working with young people at Longcreek. She talked about the difference it made for a young person to have her as an attorney and advocate. "Every you person deserves that opportunity and closer look."

Of the young people she worked with, Bonuato saw "enormous promise and potential" when they have genuine opportunities for growth.

Meagan Sway, ACLU of Maine testified about why young people need an attorney at every phase of the criminal legal process, including while they are committed at Longcreek.

Sway: The right to counsel is even more important for children because they generally cannot advocate for their own legal rights or make decisions about what is in their best interest without guidance.

Cumberland District Attorney Sahrbeck testified in support of LD 320. On establishing a minimum age to charge a child, DA Sahrbeck said, "Quite frankly, it’s time to get other programs in place." That is, supportive programming, not incarceration.

DA Sahrbeck recognized the trauma of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system inflicts on a child, and that it has lasting effects. He notes incarceration itself is an adverse childhood experience, and can lead to lifelong involvement in the adult criminal legal system.

Jan Collins of MPAC notes that many kids involved in the juvenile justice system have experienced deep wounds and trauma. "We must not add to those wounds."

Erica King of the Muskie School at USM: national research & local data are overwhelmingly find that incarcerating young people is not an effective use of taxpayer money, leads to higher likelihood of involvement in adult criminal system & long lasting negative outcomes for kids