Under Connecticut law, sixteen and seventeen year olds are incarcerated with adults including many who are jailed for non-violent offenses. In fact, Connecticut actually leads the nation in number of children under 18 in adult prisons.

But why? Is it a deterrent to crime? Many advocates say no, in fact, it's a gateway to future criminal behavior.

Today on Where We Live, we'll examine efforts to "raise the age" of those considered adult criminals in the state , a reform effort that's been years in the making. And we'll look into the root causes including a juvenile justice system that has it's own share of problems. Our guests are Hector Glynn, Executive Director of the Connecticut Justice Alliance, and Bill Carbone, Executive Director of Court Support Services Division, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch.

And, we'll talk with opponents of any new law who say that changing the law makes the job of law enforcement harder.

Where We Live archives

© Copyright 2012, wnpr