Louisiana’s Dangerous Path: The Cruelty of Imprisoning Children in Adult Jails

On March 29, Louisiana voters will be faced with a critical decision regarding Amendment 3, a proposal that threatens to dismantle the protections currently in place to keep most young people out of the adult criminal justice system. While the state already permits children to be sent to adult facilities for serious crimes such as murder and rape, this amendment would give lawmakers the power to expand that list to include a wider range of felonies. This move is not just misguided; it represents a cruel and reckless approach that could have devastating consequences for Louisiana’s youth.

The Harsh Reality of Adult Prisons

Incarcerating children in adult facilities is a practice fraught with dangers. Research shows that placing young people in adult jails significantly increases their vulnerability to physical and sexual abuse. Young people are often subjected to violence from older inmates, and they face a lack of educational opportunities and support systems that are crucial for their development. The sad reality is that many children already incarcerated have bravely stepped forward to share their traumatic experiences. These young individuals have sued the state after being transferred from juvenile detention centers to notorious adult prisons, such as Angola, where they encountered severe abuse and neglect.

Kevin Griffin-Clark, a community organizer in New Orleans, highlights the dangers of such legislation. He has worked closely with young people in both juvenile and adult facilities, and he expresses grave concerns about the implications of Amendment 3. Griffin-Clark warns that the amendment would funnel more children into unsafe environments, jeopardizing their mental and emotional well-being. He recalls his own experiences in a juvenile facility notorious for violence and inadequate care, illustrating how such environments can stifle a young person’s potential for growth and rehabilitation.

The Cycle of Trauma and Recidivism

When children are incarcerated, especially in adult facilities, they are often subjected to conditions that can lead to lasting trauma. Griffin-Clark’s story is a poignant example of this. At the age of 10, he found himself in a fight and, in a moment of desperation, threw a glass bottle at his attackers. This act resulted in a charge of attempted murder and a five-year sentence in a facility known for its harsh conditions. Griffin-Clark remembers being isolated for 23 hours a day, deprived of meaningful interaction and education. The trauma he endured did not prepare him for a successful reintegration into society; rather, it perpetuated a cycle of violence and instability.

Children who misbehave or make poor choices need constructive pathways to accountability that foster growth and learning, not punitive measures that confine them to cages. When we respond to youth behavior with understanding and appropriate support, we create an opportunity for positive change. Conversely, locking children up in adult facilities impedes their ability to access education, damages their mental health, and increases the likelihood of future criminal behavior. 

Incarceration in adult facilities not only exposes young people to violence but also puts them at a significantly higher risk of suicide and other mental health issues. Research shows that youth in adult jails are 33% more likely to die in early-to-mid adulthood than their peers who have not been incarcerated. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need to reconsider how we treat young offenders.

Supporters of Amendment 3, including Louisiana State Representative Tony Bacala, have shamefully labeled system-involved young people as “irreparable,” suggesting that some children are “lost causes.” This mindset is not only cruel; it is profoundly misguided. By viewing our youth as disposable, we ignore the potential for growth, change, and redemption that exists within every individual. 

The Need for Compassionate Alternatives

The reality is that with the right support—such as restorative justice programs, educational opportunities, and mental health resources—young people can and do transform their lives. Research consistently shows that positive interventions can lead to significant reductions in recidivism. For example, restorative justice programs, which focus on repairing harm and fostering dialogue between victims and offenders, have shown great promise in helping young people understand the consequences of their actions, develop empathy, and reintegrate into their communities.

Investing in community-based programs that emphasize education, mentorship, and emotional support is far more effective than punitive measures. These programs help young people build the skills they need to navigate challenges and foster resilience. Studies by the National Academies of Sciences have demonstrated that well-designed community programs not only promote healthier development among youth but also lead to significantly lower rates of reoffending compared to traditional incarceration. 

A Call to Action for Voters

In conclusion, Amendment 3 represents a dangerous step backward for Louisiana, one that threatens to harm our children and communities. It is essential for voters to recognize that children deserve compassion, understanding, and opportunities for rehabilitation—not punishment and isolation. By rejecting this harmful proposal on March 29, Louisiana can send a strong message that we value the potential of our youth and are committed to providing them with the support they need to grow and thrive.

And, let's not forget—we are talking about children. I promise you that the children of wealthy people don't step foot in these kinds of facilities. Poor kids aren't the only kids committing crimes. But it's almost always kids from disadvantaged backgrounds that wind up in prison. And it seems society and certain lawmakers are okay with tossing those kids in a cage. I seriously doubt if the child of one of these lawmakers—who attends a prestigious private school—committed a crime, he would ever see a day in prison. No. That kid would deserve compassion and mercy and a second chance, because he's from an affluent family.

More precisely, a significant percentage of incarcerated juveniles come from families earning below the poverty line. For instance, data from the OJJDP suggests that around 70% to 80 % of youth in the juvenile justice system come from families with incomes below the poverty threshold.

The consequences of locking children in adult prisons are not just statistics; they are real lives affected by trauma, violence, and lost potential. Instead of perpetuating a cycle of despair, let us choose a path that invests in our youth, fosters their development, and ultimately strengthens our communities.

The choice is clear. Louisiana has the opportunity to prioritize the well-being of its children by rejecting Amendment 3 and advocating for policies that support rehabilitation and healing. Let us work towards a future where every child has the chance to learn from their mistakes, rebuild their lives, and become contributing members of society. In doing so, we not only protect our young people but also lay the foundation for a safer, more just society for all.