Res 0603-2026

Res No. 603 ..Title Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, S.643/A.8491, establishing the Youth Justice Innovation Fund ..Body By the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams) Whereas, In 2017, the New York State Legislature enacted the Raise the Age law, which raised the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 for most offenses, prohibited the placement of 16 and 17-year-olds in adult jails and prisons, and emphasized age-appropriate rehabilitative interventions for youth; and Whereas, In a December 8, 2025, report, the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice found that "in 2024, the youth share of citywide felony and violent felony arrests was the same as it was in 2018" and that "youth recidivism rates for all felony, violent, and serious violent offenses are stable or decreasing"; and Whereas, These findings demonstrate that the implementation of Raise the Age has coincided with stable or declining youth involvement in serious offenses, underscoring the effectiveness of developmentally appropriate, rehabilitative approaches; and Whereas, However, the continued success of Raise the Age requires sustained investment in community-based supervision, prevention, and supportive programming for youth and young adults; and Whereas, Despite the New York City's implementation of Raise the Age, the City does not receive State reimbursements for its administration of the program; and Whereas, According to the 2018 Preliminary Budget report released by the Independent Budget Office, the State has effectively required the City to rely on surpluses to absorb the costs associated with implementing Raise the Age, hindering the City from further expanding existing juvenile services and programs; and Whereas, Senate Bill S.643, sponsored by Senator Cordell Cleare, and A.8491, sponsored by Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, would establish a dedicated Youth Justice Innovation Fund to support and strengthen the delivery of critical resources to community-based organizations serving youth and young adults through age 25; and Whereas, This legislation would create a $50 million Youth Justice Innovation Fund, administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, to support evidence-based services and programs focused on youth development and preventing youth arrest and incarceration, including violence prevention initiatives, alternatives to detention and placement, and reentry, educational, and employment training programs; and Whereas, Accelerating funding to community-based, culturally responsive organizations is critical to supporting youth and ensuring young people have access to prevention, mentorship, education, mental health supports, and workforce opportunities; and Whereas, Investing in community-based youth programming promotes public safety, strengthens families, reduces recidivism, and advances racial equity; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass S.643/A. 8491, establishing the Youth Justice Innovation Fund. LS 20944 3/2/2026 EA