Creating a collaboration to deal with youth problems inside and outside prison walls was the focus of a recent San Quentin symposium involving criminal justice experts and youth advocates from across the state.
Hosting the event were members of Kid CAT (Creating Awareness Together) who were juveniles when they committed their crimes. Attendees of the symposium included State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, Elizabeth Calvin of Human Rights Watch, Sister Suzanne Jabro, founder of the Center for Restorative Justice Works, Hollywood movie producer Scott Budnick, and other concerned citizens.
The Kid CAT men shared their crime impact statements — a collaborative interweaving of each of their stories retailing the day of their crimes — focusing on the day of the offense, the crime itself, and the events that led up to it.
“It is apparent that the men in Kid CAT have done their personal work,” said Sister Jabro, who organized the symposium. “The respect given to their victims truly is restorative justice in action.”
Gathering into breakout groups, Kid CAT members described the origin of the group, the projects they completed, the projects they’re working on, and Individual turning points.
“It’s apparent that men in Kid Cat have done their personal work.”
“We believe Kid CAT is capable of starting the movement and carrying it forward on behalf of all youth receiving life sentences,” said Sister Jabro.
Calvin, a supporter of juvenile justice reform, said the mission statement of Kid CAT impressed her: To inspire humanity through education, mentorship, and restorative practices.
Sen. Yee spoke about legislation he introduced that would end California juveniles being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“You can contribute by asking your family to call their local representatives and express their opposition towards sentencing juveniles to life without the possibility of parole,” Yee told the audience, referring to Senate Bill 9.
“I was moved by the way the group moved from I to We,” said Sister Jabro. “The closing comments of each person, inside and outside, including obvious emotion, was profound. We are one!”
