Bill would Reform Juvenile Justice System
3 min readCommittee Approves Juvenile Justice Bills
(HARRISBURG) – The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) to reform the juvenile justice system and protect the fundamental rights of kids entering the system.
Baker’s bills will:
- Eliminate waiving counsel in juvenile delinquency hearings
- Create a victim advocate devoted to juvenile justice
- Require judges to state on the record the reasons behind disposition orders
- Prohibit shackling of juveniles in the courtroom
Senator Baker was joined by Senator John Yudichak and Sandy Fonzo, who’s son Edward Kenzakoski was among the juveniles sentenced by Judge Ciavarella. She shared with the committee her personal story of how this injustice has impacted her family.
Senator Baker’s remarks to the committee follow:
Our justice system is supposed to safeguard rights and protect people. Yet, because of unimaginable judicial corruption in Luzerne County, we find ourselves debating ways to protect our kids from abuse at the hands of the juvenile justice system.
The recent trial of former judge Mark Ciavarella underscored why. This individual violated his oath of office, trampled constitutional rights, railroaded kids into detention for the most minor indiscretions, and had thousands of sentences vacated because of gross misconduct. This same individual felt vindicated and victorious because the jury convicted him on twelve very serious counts of racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy, but not extortion or bribery. Decent, law-abiding people in our community feel assaulted again by his actions and demeanor.
Judge John Cleland, who chaired the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice, declared the corruption “a systematic breakdown in the rule of law.”
The Interbranch Commission, through their intensive investigation and introspection, provided the finest example of public service in my experience. They produced dozens of well-thought recommendations for reform. Even so, most people in our area are convinced the requirement for counsel is the cornerstone of reform, and the surest remedy to ward off wrongdoing. The federal prosecutors acknowledged that the remedies needed to be done in the Legislature.
The Senate passed a mandatory counsel bill last session. The House of Representatives did not take it up. Today, the effort begins again. This is a better bill, because of expert advice from people devoted to quality justice.
Some of the very best individuals in juvenile justice express misgivings about a mandatory counsel requirement. As we have worked this issue, we deal constantly with honorable people who see the system at its best. The human disaster inflicted on Luzerne County is beyond their ability to comprehend. Those determined to pervert justice, do not share insight into where the system is vulnerable and how power can be exploited.
Nothing I can say, nothing I can show you, matches the persuasive power of someone who saw a special life destroyed by a corrupt judge. Sandy Fonzo, who suffered a heart-breaking tragedy no parent ever should, graciously agreed to tell her story. She comes here with the purpose of making sure that no child is ever subjected to severe injustice. And because she has hope, and perhaps faith, in our capacity and commitment to do what is right and necessary – to restore the meaning of juvenile justice.
Wow I really hope to see some kind of reform for juveniles in the system in Potter County. The probation dept here is WAY to rough on the kids and use placements and detentions until those options are exhausted and THEN bring in home counseling and so forth. How backwards is that?? And talk about getting a break? No WAY!!! Judge Minor seems to be pretty fair with some of the kids but I think it all who you know and who your family is. i experience this first hand as a parent and it is really getting out of control. I am all for the NO shackles in the courtroom. When you see your 15 yr old walk in to court like that it is heart wrenching. I know through a very long experience with Potter county that it isn’t always the judge BUT the PROBATION dept. that is too rough. If someone could get that under control we would have it made I think. i am all for punishment in law breaking but when do these kids get to prove they have changed?? The more they change for the better we have probation giving them a harder time. Time to do away with the old and bring in the new!!!!! I would love nothing more than to see the juvenile probation officer in Potter County have a child grow up with some problems and have to deal with himself!!!!!!!!!!
I worked with “at risk youth” for the better part of 10 years and can tell you from first hand experience that some of the youths going to court in shackles, need to be in shackles. I think that a blanket no shackles is not a good idea. It should be on a case by case basis. There are some truly violent juvenile offenders out there. I’m sorry if it’s “heartwrenching” to see your 15 year old in shackles, but the safety of all involved takes priority. Including the juveniles. If they’re in shackles they’re not going to hurt themselves or others. Unfortunately, the people that make the laws/rules for dealing with youth, most of the time, have no real experience at the “ground level” in dealing with them. I too am a parent, and had some issues when they were growing up, but the we have to recognize that these youth are making choices that they may have to pay for. Law breaking behavior can’t be allowed just because they are under 18. And maybe a little wake up call will get them straightened up.