New York State implemented the second phase of Raise the Age today, which will transfer the vast majority of 17-years-olds out of adult court and into age-appropriate courts. For many years, New York stood as one of only two states in the country that prosecuted all 16- and 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal legal system, regardless of the crime committed, reports the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Raise the Age was enacted into law in April of 2017 by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“Since the first phase of Raise the Age was implemented last October, it has already made a huge difference and proved its success by transferring 16-year-olds to age-appropriate courts that are equipped with the programming essential for serving them. We are confident that this last phase will prove equally successful for the vast majority of 17-year-olds entering the system, who will now have access to court processes, services and resources that are proven to be most appropriate for them, thereby improving public safety and giving these young people the chance they deserve,” said Dawne Mitchell, Attorney-In-Charge of the Juvenile Rights Practice at The Legal Aid Society.