In a significant move aimed at enhancing public safety for young people in Pennsylvania, State Representatives Carol Kazeem (D-159th Dist.), Heather Boyd (D-163rd Dist.), and Andre Carroll (D-201st Dist.) recently announced the relaunch of the bipartisan House PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus in Harrisburg.
Kazeem, who serves as the caucus chair, along with Boyd and Carroll as co-chairs, aims to tackle the pressing issues surrounding youth safety within the commonwealth.
The primary objective of this newly launched statewide initiative is to conduct a thorough examination of the existing safety conditions and resources available for Pennsylvania youth. This analysis will ultimately guide the proposal of new policies and resources designed to bolster the safety and well-being of young individuals throughout the state.
Legislators emphasized that this initiative represents a collaborative effort across party lines, striving to effect meaningful change through strategic partnerships with youth-led organizations, law enforcement, emergency medical services, family advocates, and community leaders.
The caucus’s initiative builds upon the prior work of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force, which published its reform recommendations in 2021. The 35 data-driven suggestions outlined by the task force will serve as a foundation for the current caucus’s continued efforts to improve outcomes for youth and enhance community safety.
“The relaunch of the caucus is a renewal of our promise as legislators to listen to the concerns of our young people, to advocate for their future, and create policies that will protect and empower them,” Kazeem stated during the announcement.
She further emphasized the interconnected nature of youth issues and public safety, stating, “Youth and public safety are not separate issues; they are deeply intertwined.”
Through this caucus, Kazeem aims to provide youths with a platform to voice their opinions on various policies that affect them, particularly in crucial areas like juvenile justice, education, and workforce development.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of allowing youth to feel invested in Pennsylvania’s future, where they can contribute to societal improvement rather than being marginalized.
“Our bipartisan first statewide initiative will partner with the commonwealth’s leading subject matter experts to pinpoint and propose evidence-based solutions to improve the juvenile justice process,” Kazeem noted, aiming for better resource allocation to assist struggling youth.
Speaker of the PA House, Joanna McClinton (D-191st Dist.), echoed these sentiments, asserting that the well-being and success of children must remain central to policy considerations. She stated, “Young people have great ideas for improving public safety in our communities, and I look forward to partnering with youth-led organizations and other stakeholders to craft policies responsive to the needs of our young people.”
Rep. Andre Carroll highlighted the pressing issues within the juvenile justice system, explaining how communities—particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia—are confronted with challenges resulting from an over-reliance on incarceration instead of preventive support. “Our goal is to turn our research into proactive policy change. Every young Pennsylvanian deserves the opportunity to get help at the right moment,” Carroll commented.
Emphasizing the need for a fair justice system, Boyd stated, “It’s our duty as lawmakers to prioritize the safety and well-being of our youth. This caucus will follow data-driven, research-based policies that lead with both compassion and fairness.”
Moreover, Boyd acknowledged the contributions of advocacy groups and fellow legislators who have diligently worked to create a solid foundation for this initiative.
Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-157th Dist.), a former chair of the Youth & Safety Caucus, stressed that investing in children—especially those navigating the juvenile detention system—is essential for fostering successful futures. “Our children are our future. We must invest in these children to ensure they are equipped to … contribute meaningfully in their communities,” she asserted.
Furthermore, Maura McInerney, the legal director of the Education Law Center-PA, pointed out the crucial link between education and the health and well-being of children. She criticized the current system, which often fails to provide quality education to youth within the juvenile justice framework.
McInerney highlighted that depriving these youth of education not only limits their immediate opportunities but also segments them toward a cycle of criminality and economic disadvantage.
Stephanie Arbutina, the vulnerable youth policy director at Children First, expressed optimism regarding this initiative, stating that juvenile justice reform in Pennsylvania is long overdue. She looks forward to collaborating with the Youth & Public Safety Caucus to construct a safer system for young individuals.
Lastly, Malik Pickett, a senior attorney at the Juvenile Law Center, underscored the necessity for better treatment of youth within the legal system. He asserted, “Our youth, families, and communities in Pennsylvania deserve better, and the Youth & Public Safety Caucus presents an opportunity to do just that.”
In summary, the relaunch of the House PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus heralds a renewed commitment by Pennsylvania legislators to prioritizing the safety and welfare of young people, signaling a proactive approach toward building a more equitable and supportive juvenile justice system.
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