Senate Passes Interstate Compact For Juveniles

Agreement Will Formalize Procedures For Dealings With Youthful Offenders

The New York State Senate passed legislation (S.2551A) this week introduced by Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – 59th District), that would make New York State a full member to The Interstate Compact For Juveniles. The Compact is a legal contract between all 50 states, establishing formal procedures to facilitate the return of runaways, and a uniform system to manage juvenile offenders residing in other states.

“The Interstate Compact for Juveniles provides universal guidelines for juvenile justice professionals across the country,” said Gallivan. “Without the Compact in place; law enforcement agencies would have limited jurisdiction to return youths who have runaway, escaped custody, or violated the terms of their probation or parole by crossing state lines.”

The first Interstate Compact for Juveniles went into effect in 1955. Like the current compact, its official purpose is to manage the relationship between states that send and states that receive juvenile offenders. Under the new compact, provisions are expanded to create a commission to supervise and coordinate the interstate movement of juveniles.

“Full implementation of the Compact will promote public safety and protect both juvenile offenders and victims, while providing law enforcement and court systems with procedural clarity when dealing with minors from other states,” said Gallivan.

Senator Gallivan has extensive experience in the field of criminal justice, rising to the rank of Captain in the New York State Police before being twice elected Sheriff of Erie County.