Jason Rodriguez shares lived experience and supports alternatives
Jason Rodriguez of the Legal Action Center shares that he was incarcerated for 24 years beginning at age 18. He describes fear and hypervigilance in detention, supports Intro 447 and Reso 274, and says programs must have capacity and accountability so detention is a last resort.
Good evening, Chair Stevens and members of the committee.
My name is Jason Rodriguez, Policy Associate at Legal Action Center.
I am also formerly incarcerated, having spent 24 years in prison, beginning at the tender age of 18.
When I read about the horrid conditions young people at Horizons and Crossroads, I think about my time spent on Rikers and similar conditions.
I could have a book open and still be listening for trouble instead of taking the words in.
I hid fear and vulnerability.
When I needed help understanding what I was actually feeling, protecting myself came before learning or imagining a future beyond any of that.
These conditions are an urgent threat to young people's health and development.
They shouldn't have their days worrying about safety instead of learning.
A safe place to sleep and consistent access to school and care cannot wait until overcrowding is resolved.
The city must work with defense attorneys, courts, and community organizations to identify what's keeping young people detained and use community-based alternatives to the fullest extent possible.
With support tailored to each young person, detention should always be the last resort.
Legal Action Center supports Intro 447 because accurate information can help more young people be considered for alternatives.
But a program list is a guide must be also able to accept them and meet their needs and conditions without what other providers with additional care is needed.
When space or services are lacking, the city must find them.
and help them proceed with those people so they can have more possible alternatives.
We also support Resolution 274, which calls for state legislators and the governor to give New York City access to raise the age funding.
Community-based alternatives must be a priority for those.
Giving supports and those options, allowing providers to reach those young people.
The city must demand accountability and reforms, especially given the reports in September.
And I will just conclude with this.
We cannot keep asking young people to change while having them live in conditions that we are responsible for changing.
Thank you.