The Prison Policy Initiative found that in state prisons, seven in 10 adults are arrested before the age of 19. According to Human Rights for Kids, as of 2023, over 30,000 people are incarcerated for crimes they committed as children. In the Georgia Juvenile Justice system, recent reforms aim to address the impact of adolescent brain development while providing rehabilitative opportunities.

“As a result [of reforms], we get to wrap lower evidence-based programs around [children],” Juvenile Justice System Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds said. “We are involving families more so they can, in return, support their children. We have services and support and resources. Young people that have not committed serious crimes are not in our facilities, they are in the community.”

Reynolds believes it is important to recognize harmful behaviors within a community’s youths. She said it is beneficial to address an issue’s cause and provide effective resources. Doing so prevents behaviors from becoming detrimental to childhood education or future learning, Reynolds said.

“When kids are only 5, very young kids are presenting anger, behavior issues, and I think that because we don’t have the necessary prevention programs, we put the kids out of the class versus working to provide them with counseling and giving parents tools to help them,” Reynolds said. “If we can do that, I think we would see less kids coming into our system and that would be the goal.”

Reynolds explained how factors such as lack of awareness or support can challenge reintegration into society.

“We need to find a way in every community to integrate [previously incarcerated minors] back into the community,” Reynolds said. “It is hard to get school districts to accept them. Sometimes, rural areas don’t want them to live in the community. I think awareness would help a lot. There is a fear factor, and people start feeling unsafe and uncomfortable, especially in facilities. I think by spending time with them we can do better welcoming back into the community and support.”

Raise the Age Act

 House Bill 462 (HB 462), also known as the “Raise the Age Act”, aims to amend the Georgia Code. It would allow youth, ages 17 and under, to be tried as minors in the Juvenile Justice system.

“The bill is from 2023 and came out because myself and others in the Georgia Assembly were concerned about 17-year-olds, who were prosecuted and held in jail when they were in high school,” State Rep. Beth Camp, bill sponsor, said. “When you are 17, you can not sign a contract, or vote. There are lots you can’t do, yet when you commit crimes, you are held in adult jail, if prosecuted, and sentenced like an adult.”

While adult systems focus on punishment, juvenile systems are geared towards rehabilitation. The bill would alter the housing and processing of 17-year-olds and provide alternative solutions to entering adult facilities, such as youth detention centers. 

“First off, [minors] are being held in a jail with adults, adults [who] often are in there for really bad things [who can influence] someone into doing more bad things,” Camp said. “Unfortunately, when you have individuals who have trouble finding work because [they have a] criminal record or [who can’t get into] college, that can be detrimental to someone’s future. That’s why you get lifetime criminals.”

The bill was presented in 2023, where it passed the house and was denied in the senate. No other representatives have reintroduced the bill since. Although the bill was denied, Camp believes changes to the juvenile system are imperative. 

“I would like to see more recognition that adolescence continues into early 20s,” Camp said. “Most kids are dependent on their parents financially. I think we need to recognize that if we do anything and hurt a juvenile with what they can do in the future, it is going to hurt them. I hope the Juvenile Justice System takes that into consideration.”

Research from Point Park University indicates youth recidivism rates exceed 80% in select areas of the United States. In Georgia alone, 4.6 million citizens have a criminal history. Camp believes the Raise the Age Act could combat youth recidivism rates within Georgia.

“[Of] individuals in our state who have a criminal history or record, most of it happens before someone is 20-years-old,” Camp said. “They are youthful mistakes, that someone who is 60-years-old is still in trouble for because it is showing up on their criminal history.”

The First Offender Act, enacted in 1968, allows first-time offenders to avoid conviction and a permanent criminal record by completing probation. 

“The First Offender Act is current law in Georgia that would allow [people] under 18 to be diverted from a more serious sentence or any conviction,” State Rep. Marvin Lim said. “It allows them to avoid conviction by creating alternative sentencing, including probation attendance of rehabilitative programs, which does exist for those over 18 under certain circumstances and is limited to certain types of crimes. By covering those who are under 18 that commit those crimes, [juveniles] would be able to divert and avoid serious jail time.”

State representative Leesa Hagan notes the importance of offering juvenile offenders a second chance.

“It’s good to give people an opportunity to reevaluate their situation, correct their mistakes and move on with their lives,” Hagan said. “Especially with young people, it’s typically with younger people that use the first offender plea. I don’t want someone who is young to make a mistake and follow them for the rest of their lives. When I was a younger person, I know there are things I did that I would never do today. I think it is important that we show grace and compassion to people and encourage them to make good choices.”

Research from the University of Rochester suggests the brain fully matures around the age of 25. As a result, adolescents, children between the ages of 10 and 19, can make impulsive or emotionally-driven decisions.

“Seventeen-year-old brains aren’t fully developed enough and can’t fully grasp the consequences of their decisions,” Camp said. “For that reason, a person who makes a poor mistake at 16 and 17 should not have one decision affect their life.”

POLLING POSSIBILITY: The left column showcases a 50 person poll, where students were asked if mistakes from adolecense should impact the rest of a person’s life. The right column showcases the results from the same poll where students were asked if they believe in second chances. (Alex Brendle)

HB 162

In the 1990s and early 2000s, internet use was popularized. As of 2024, an estimated 5.5 billion people are active on the internet. According to the American Bar Association, internet use compromises online privacy as it grants users access to criminal files and records.

House Bill 162 (HB162), aims to amend the Georgia Code as it pertains to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The bill addresses the restriction and sealing of First Offender Act sentences until the status is revoked.

“Georgia has had a First Offender Act since the 1960s,” Hagan said. “The whole point of it is to give it to people who make a one-time mistake. They commit a crime that is not one of your more violent crimes; it gives them a chance to not be labeled as an offender. It worked well for decades, but the internet has changed its effectiveness.”

Hagan believes the internet has hindered the success of the First Offender Act. According to Hagan, HB162 intends to address technological factors, adapting the First Offender Act to fit the modern world.

“Right now records are sealed for a person [with] the First Offender Act on the sentence, typically probation,” Hagan said. “With the internet, a lot of that info is out there, and people running background checks can find it. [The First Offender Act] is not the second chance it is intended to be. This bill, if passed by the senate, would require records to be sealed when sentencing. If they successfully complete [probation], sentences remain sealed. If violated, then all bets are off, records are unsealed and no longer qualify for the First Offender Act. It modifies the First Offender Act to make sure it is intended to do what it is.”

The bill has crossed over to the senate and will be presented in the next legislative session. Hagan believes the bill will likely pass due to its positive reception.

“It passed the house of representatives unanimously twice and then it passed at a senate judiciary committee two times unanimously,” Hagan said. “It has been worked on for two years. In the Georgia House and Georgia Senate. We serve two-year terms. Going into the second session of this term, everything is still on the table from last session. It’s been very well received; we just have to get it to the senate.”

Hagan believes the bill can improve the lives of previously incarcerated youth, acting as a turning point and allowing them to return to society without restraint.

“If a first offender completes their sentence, they can say that they have never been convicted; it is essentially a nonconviction,” Hagan said. “A lot of people make mistakes in their lives, and we don’t want one of those mistakes to follow them for the rest of their lives.”

HB 673

According to the National Governors Association, developmentally appropriate care for adolescents can reduce recidivism and promote long-term safety. House Bill 673 (HB673), amending the state code, would allow minors to pursue alternate punishments and sentencing, taking into consideration their age and other influences.

“Right now you cannot get [rehabilitative] treatment if you are a minor adjudicated as an adult,” Lim said. “[The bill] creates more of a pathway for minors, but creates limitations to it. You would qualify [for bar limitations] as a minor if you meet these criteria, but you still have to meet it, lifting some of the limitations and allowing more people to [qualify] themselves for treatment.” 

By “limiting bars,” the bill will provide alternatives to youth incarceration and prolonged sentencing. In doing so, it aims to increase rehabilitative opportunities and prevent recidivism.

“The bill says if you are under 17, and you commit a crime currently exempt under the First Offender Act, then you could apply for a treatment if you plead guilty,” Lim said. “The court would defer proceeding in your conviction alternatively then send you to probation or in some cases confinement.”

According to the Center for American Progress, youth incarceration impairs future employment and education. That said, Lim believes one mistake from adolescence should not derail a person’s entire future.

“[The bill was] brought to me by a person who had an experience where he was treated as an adult, even though he was a juvenile in the criminal justice system,” Lim said. “It was difficult for him to make a life for himself after he finished his sentence, and it showed. Even though we have expanded our treatment, there are still people not getting a chance.”

The bill was introduced late in the 2024-25 legislative session and will continue into the 2025-26 session. Lim believes the bill’s implementation will increase representation for first offenders, while supporting community relationships. 

“When people, including minors, go out of the juvenile justice system, it hurts their families and then it hurts society and imposes costs around safety,” Lim said. “The bill speaks to minors, in at least some instances, where someone’s life shouldn’t be thrown away from a mistake. The bill attempts to create that pathway and strike that balance. [It’s] not a free pass, but it is recognizing that you did offend; you are a first offender, not a zero offender, [but] we will make sure you are rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.”

LEARNING LIFE LESSONS: Cafe Momentum Atlanta Intern Sam Smith* practices serving with ground floor manager Avni Aliu. Aliu said the internship aims to instill valuable life skills in its interns such as patience, perseverance, and integrity, (Dylan Seinberg)

Georgia’s legislation around the juvenile justice system aims to facilitate social reform for youth, provide formative opportunities into their adulthood and combat recidivism.

The nonprofit restaurant Café Momentum has one goal: to transform the lives of youth involved in the justice system. The restaurant was founded 10 years ago in Dallas and since has expanded to Pittsburgh, Denver and most recently, Atlanta. 

“Café Momentum’s mission is to transform young lives by equipping justice-involved youth with life skills, education and employment,” Café Momentum Chef Josh Lee said. “We achieve this as a nonprofit restaurant providing a 12-month paid internship program. Youth work every station in the restaurant while also receiving wraparound support, including mentorship, education, case management and mental health services.”

The restaurant’s Atlanta location opened March 27 and aims to address youth recidivism.

“The restaurant opened because Atlanta, like many cities, has a significant population of justice-involved youth, who aren’t getting the opportunities or support they deserve,” Lee said. “Atlanta was chosen due to its abundance of people and progress and its need for solutions that actually reduce youth recidivism. A restaurant is the perfect environment for teaching life and job skills: it’s fast-paced, team-oriented and full of teachable moments that you can actually bounce back from.”

Café Momentum Atlanta intern Sam Smith* said the internship program instills its participants with life skills and knowledge.

“I’ve learned how to prep, cook on the grill, run expo and serve,” Smith said. “Most importantly, I learned how to work on a team, communicate better and stay calm under pressure. But more than just job skills, I’ve learned how to take responsibility and how to show up for myself and others.”

Restaurant diner Jen Parker* said the restaurant provides crucial representation to youth in the justice system and felt inclined to support its mission.

“I wanted to support a mission that matters,” Parker said. ”I heard about Café Momentum through a colleague and was intrigued at the combination of fine dining and social change. The story and the young people brought me in, but the delicious meals and drinks are what keep me coming back.”

Lee believes Cafe Momentum fosters a strong community environment and creates positive changes for Atlanta’s youth, while breaking the cycle of recidivism.

“I joined Café Momentum because I believe in a first, real chance and the power of investing in young people,” Lee said. “I wanted to be part of something that doesn’t just talk about [change], but actively creates it through real opportunities.”

Lee believes organizations like Café Momentum are essential for educating community members on the reality of youth incarceration. 

“One big misconception is that these kids are bad or dangerous,” Lee said. “In reality, most are system-impacted because of poverty, trauma, or lack of support — not because they’re inherently violent or criminal. Another misconception is that incarceration solves the problem. It doesn’t. What works is support, stability and opportunity and this is what our ecosystem at Café Momentum Atlanta provides.”

Smith said the internship has encouraged him to approach opportunities with resilience and integrity.

“Everything about this opportunity, from it being far away from home to the caliber of people we serve, has pushed me way beyond my comfort zone,” Smith said. ”Growth happens when you move beyond your comfort zone. You are what you do, not what you say you will do. Consistency and focus happen when you remain determined to change. “

Parker believes Café Momentum is representative of an ever-evolving community in search of change. The restaurant provides a pathway to future success and a platform to harness a person’s potential, Parker said.

“This model proves that rehabilitation works when it’s rooted in dignity and opportunity,” Parker said. “Places like Café Momentum offer a different narrative — one that sees potential instead of problems. We need more spaces that empower young people instead of giving up on them.”

As opportunities increase and legislation is enacted, Reynolds believes representation is essential for destigmatizing youth incarceration and providing opportunities for societal re-entry.

“My thought is that you can’t box people in, one bad decision or a child making a mistake that does not define who they are and what the rest of their life will be,” Reynolds said. “We have to see them as individuals and what potential they have.”

*Sam Smith is an anonymous name

*Jen Parker is an anonymous name 

*Ben Johnson is an anonymous name