HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 143

(By Delegates Fleischauer, Barill, Hamilton, Hunt,

               Jones, Marshall and Moore)

Requesting the Joint Committee on the Judiciary to study the feasibility and potential effectiveness of juvenile justice reform as a mechanism to better direct expenditures in juvenile justice to prevent youth recidivism and not merely punish the youth in our state.

    Whereas, The United States incarcerates more youth than any other country in the world; and

    Whereas, Rising youth incarceration budgets and skyrocketing recidivism rates in West Virginia are of significant concern; and

    Whereas, The percent change in commitment rates for youth between 1997-2011 fell an average of 49% in the United States; and

    Whereas, While most states observed falling commitment rates, West Virginia experienced a 93% increase in commitment rates, more than any other state in the country and one of only four states to see an increase; and

    Whereas, Most of the youth incarcerated in West Virginia have been convicted of low-level, nonviolent offenses; and

    Whereas, Many states have turned to community-based intervention programs as a cheaper and more effective alternative to incarceration; and

    Whereas, It is estimated that close to $75,000 per year, per youth can be saved when a youth is enrolled in community-based alternatives versus incarceration; and

    Whereas, Community-based intervention programs address underlying issues that lead to young people’s involvement in the juvenile justice system and provide youth with the skills and support they need to become law-abiding adults, making West Virginia communities safer, stronger and healthier; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on the Judiciary is hereby requested to study the feasibility and potential effectiveness of juvenile justice reform as a mechanism to better direct expenditures in juvenile justice to prevent youth recidivism and not merely punish the youth in our state; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on the Judiciary report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.