Stop state sanctioned child abuse

In our country today, more children are becoming adults before they are of age than you may expect. Children in our court systems. Each day more and more children under the age of 18 are being charged for crimes as adults and not given the benefit of what we have always believed to be a just juvenile system to help correct the wrongs our children have been taught. Tyler Edmonds, 14, MississippiJake Eakin and Evan Savoie, both 13 of Washington StateChristopher Pittman, 14, South CarolinaMichael HernandezRyan MingledorfRebecca FalconChristine RogersJosh Phillips, all of Florida and so many others who are forced to endure the treatment of an adult trial, incarceration and punishment.

When a child commits a crime, the adults of today are outraged and are quick to condemn. Since the child was charged they must therefore be guilty of the crime. Instead of asking why, where, or how we failed that child, we rush to judgment, shake our heads and believe the next Charles Manson has been born.

We are too quick to believe a child this young could commit such horrific crimes rather than believe it is what we have allowed them to be taught that brought them to this ultimate act. Life has become a competition. We compete for the best material items not realizing our children are our biggest success.

Consider that children placed into an adult jail or prison are beaten, raped, and commit suicide at a higher rate. Children in adult jails and prisons are 5 times more likely to be raped, twice as likely to be beaten by staff, and 50\% more likely to be attacked with a weapon than youths sent to the juvenile justice system. A Justice Department study showed the suicide rate of children in adult jails is 7.7 times higher than that of youth in juvenile detention centers.

WE THE PEOPLE are now called upon to bring about changes that will help our children instead of throwing them into a bottomless pit. Laws need to be changed. Local, state and federal officials must be made to listen and take action. Action that will promote rehabilitation and not adult punishment. We must prevent children from so easily being made into adults for the purpose of a win in a district attorneys resume.

We call upon on citizens to join us and sign this petition showing your agreement to our cause and the cause of true and fair justice for children. They are not little adults. Help ushelp the children. Be a part of the voice to bring attention to the plight of so many of our youth.