Researchers estimate that has many as 200,000 youth are prosecuted as adults every year in the United States. In Louisiana, there are nearly 400 youth incarcerated for crimes committed before their 18th birthday. The youngest of these youth entered an adult prison at the age of 12. Of these 400 youth, almost half are serving life without the possibility of parole, or "virtual life"--meaning, besides receiving a very rare executive pardon from the Governor, they will have no meaningful opportunity for release in their life time. They are sentenced to die in prison. Since 2006, four people who entered prison in their teens have died after spending nearly half a century in prison. Although this extreme sentence violates four international human rights conventions, is dismissed by the rest of the world, goes against everything we know about how youth grow and develop, and is opposed by dozens of organizations around the country, the United States continues to sentence it's youth to die in prison. Please watch the video below to learn more about adult transfer in Louisiana and those serving life without the possibility of parole since their teens:
Although this sentence is available for all youth arrested and tried for their crimes, this sentence disproportionately affects children raised in poverty and children of color. Across the United States, over 70% of children sentenced to die in prison are African American or Hispanic. During our trip, we will be meeting with and interviewing academics, activists, government workers and everyday people to learn how their country treats young offenders, and what are the human rights issues currently facing their people. We will be posting videos, photos and essays along our way to pass along our findings and promote dialogue about this crisis and human rights around the world. With this information, we hope to educate people in the United States about how we can improve our systems and give all children a chance to grow and thrive. Additionally, we are asking our followers to support this dialogue by sponsoring our trip (learn more on the sponsorship page). All of the proceeds will go to the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana and Citizens for Second Chances to support their efforts to promote human rights and end extreme sentencing for youth in Louisiana.
See below for profiles of those currently incarcerated for life in Louisiana for crimes committed in their teens:
See below for profiles of those currently incarcerated for life in Louisiana for crimes committed in their teens:
