Time to Raise the Age New York 

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Dear Family, 


While laws both state and national have deemed individuals too irresponsible to enter military service until the age of 18, too young to understand the health risks associated with smoking tobacco until the age of 18, and too immature to handle the consequences of alcohol until the age of 21, New York State continues to prosecute these same individuals as adults and even incarcerate them in adult facilities. In fact, NY is one of only two states left in the nation to do so. 

Throughout the state, a public awareness campaign known as Raise the Age NY has been holding press conferences and town hall meetings to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 18. Together we have been highlighting the consistent research to our leaders in Albany that makes the case for comprehensive legal reform that will treat children as children in the eyes of the law and that focuses on meaningful intervention and rehabilitation for our youth.


To date, the Governor has advanced sound juvenile justice policies. Please take action by asking Governor Cuomo to continue this work and prevent losing another generation of 16 and 17 year old youth to an outdated justice system. 

To share your story or find out how you can get more involved, contact Brad Hansen, FTNYS Public Policy Coordinator, at bhansen@ftnys.org or 518.432.0333 x 28.

Sincerely,

Paige Pierce
Executive Director
Families Together in New York State