The Legal Aid Society lauded Governor Kathy Hochul for signing into law S4051A/A4982A, legislation that will end the arrest and prosecution of children who are under the age of 12, except those charged with homicide, as reported by Gothamist.

Moreover, this legislation ends the secure detention of children under age 13 who benefit from this law, and it also ensures safe access to mental health care for children.

Public support for the reform followed in response to reports nationwide of egregious arrests and prosecutions involving young children.

“For decades, our young clients – the overwhelming majority of whom come from communities of color – have suffered significant trauma from these draconian practices, including lifelong harm,” said Dawne Mitchell, Attorney-in-Charge of the Juvenile Rights Practice at The Legal Aid Society.