IV 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 436 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 13, 2011 Mr. Murphy of Connecticut submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of October, 2011, as National Youth Justice Awareness Month.

Whereas youths commit only a small portion of the Nation’s crimes and the number of juvenile offenders has steadily declined since 2000; Whereas approximately 2 million youths come in contact with the juvenile justice system every year; Whereas close to 87,000 juvenile offenders are held in residential placement facilities every day; Whereas approximately 250,000 youths are tried, sentenced, or incarcerated as adults every year; Whereas 10,000 youths are held in adult jails and prisons each night; Whereas youths who have been charged with non-violent offenses make up 2/3 of the youths held in detention facilities; Whereas most of the youths prosecuted in adult court are charged with non-violent offenses; Whereas holding a youth at an adult detention facility increases the risk that the youth will be abused while detained; Whereas youths who are kept in the juvenile justice system are less likely to re-offend than youths who are transferred into the adult system; Whereas youths of color are over-represented at all stages in the juvenile justice system; Whereas community-based programs, including diversion programs, drug treatment programs, evening reporting centers, treatment clinics, and family programs, cost less and help youths stay out of trouble and not re-offend more than detention or incarceration; and Whereas investment in early and appropriate interventions can reduce juvenile recidivism, save money, and increase public safety. Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives (1)supports the goals and ideals of National Youth Justice Awareness Month; and (2)encourages the people of the United States to join with the 30 States and national organizations that will take part in National Youth Justice Awareness Month activities.