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Sample Materials:
Individual Letter to
Your Governor,
State Legislator, or State Official
Dear Governor/State Legislator/State Official:
I am writing to bring your
attention to an issue of serious concern to me -- the disparate
treatment of Latino and Latina youth in the juvenile justice system.
Latino and Latina youth receive disparate and more punitive treatment
than their White peers charged with the same types of offenses,
according to a new report, “¿Dónde Está la Justicia?”
commissioned by the Building Blocks for Youth Initiative.
Available data actually under-count disparities because most states and
the federal government fail to identify Latino youth in data collection,
usually counting them as White.
The goal of the juvenile justice
system since the beginning has been the recovery and rehabilitation of
children and youth. Unfortunately, today’s juvenile justice system is
under attack with increasingly punitive policies that focus on
punishment and incarceration, rather than the rehabilitation of youth.
Key findings of “¿Dónde Está La Justicia?” show that Latino and
Latina youth are incarcerated at higher rates, receive longer sentences,
and receive harsher treatment than white youth even when charged with
the same types of offenses. Current data means for collecting and
assessing data are inadequate, resulting in under-counting and
inaccuracies in reporting disproportionate representation and disparate
treatment of Latino and Latina youth in the U.S justice system. The
system fails to provide adequate bilingual services to Latino and Latina
youth and fails to ensure cultural competency of staff working with
Latino and Latina youth in the system. Consideration of the immigration
status of Latino and Latina youth results in incarceration, deportation
and permanent separation from families. Anti-gang laws result in harsh
and unfair consequences for Latino and Latina youth.
I urge your serious consideration of my concerns
and would appreciate a written response on the specific steps you will
be taking to respond to my concerns. Thank you for your time and
attention.
Sincerely,
[Insert your name and address]
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