This judge wants to stop sending kids to jail: how we can help | Wesley Saint Clair | TEDxSeattle

As a Chief Justice in the juvenile court system, Wesley has come to believe the system is is better at sentencing people than reducing crime. He asks that we rely less on the power of the justice system, and more on human connection with Restorative Practices as a solution.
After 40 years of working in the justice system, Judge Wesley Saint Clair has pretty much seen it all and he’s looking at new ways to keep kids out of the system. Today, our justice system is more effective at sentencing than it is at reducing crime. As a presiding Chief Justice, he meets many young offenders entering the system for crimes that many would consider youthful indiscretions and hormone-fueled mistakes. Wesley believes Restorative Practices are designed to keep youth out of jail and take responsibility for their impact on their victims while restoring the youth’s connection with their community. He asks that we rely more on human connection, and less on the power of the justice system.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@TC-ef2pp]

Finally someone that gets it for our youth crime. I wish so many other judges would listen.

[@beverlyhawkins7113]

Finally, someone who wants to move the criminal justice system forward into the 21st century. Thank you, sir.

[@thomasbullins]

Do the crime ; do the time
No matter how old or young you are
They need to know there's consequences
Why teach kids right from wrong if they ain't punished for doing wrong?

[@adambarker9524]

"why teach them when you can just punish them?"

[@TC-ef2pp]

The criminal justice system for youth is a disaster!! No one is saying give anyone a free ride. A 12/13 year old that needs help there is NONE! You wait, discipline, do your best until they turn 18, so then they can go to prison! Really? When all along the child was 13 and asking for help. Bc they had already got with wrong crowd they couldn’t get away from and doing things harmful to themselves that would surely screw up their future. So, you don’t think a 13 year old shouldn’t have the chance to turn there life around with the appropriate help? We are failing our young offenders until they can just go to prison! It’s clear you haven’t experienced anything like this with someone you love . Someone you know has much to offer to society and is genuinely a great kid! But now they stand bf a judge attorney and probation officer pleading to judge “ this young man needs rehab” Judge “ your going to prison! “ I pray this will have a good ending for this young man!
Let me add yes if you are wealthy there are tons of places you can send youth for help! Not many can afford 4-10k a month. Look at our famous stars ? They have utilized these facilities .