Restler advocates youth population review teams and Intro 629
Restler points to the Rikers population review team as a model and says Intro 629 would create youth population review teams. He acknowledges concerns about confidentiality and ACS's role, and says he looks forward to amending the bill.
At Rikers, we implemented a successful population review team approach where city agencies, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, and the courts all come together to review cases and determine what's needed to secure someone's release from jail.
It could be helping secure the right housing placement or finding the right ATI program or mental health provider, the missing piece that allows the courts to release an individual into the community prior to trial.
We need to take this same approach for our youth.
There is urgency.
Intro 629 would require the creation of youth population review teams.
Every single case should be carefully analyzed to see if an individual can be released and supported in the community while their case proceeds.
I understand that there are some very real concerns with the current draft of the legislation about confidentiality and the role of ACS and the best way to structure these teams.
And I look forward to working with the administration and advocates and, of course, Chair Stevens to make the necessary changes.