HARRISBURG - A bill to limit the shackling of children during court proceedings is headed to Governor Corbett for his signature, according to Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), who sponsored the measure.

In most juvenile justice courtrooms, shackling is a rare occurrence, done only when security is deemed seriously at risk.  But, as the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice report revealed, indiscriminate and unreasonable reliance on leg-shackling and handcuffing kids was common practice in Luzerne County.

“Purposely and needlessly breaking the spirit and rubbing out the self-worth of kids is contrary to every principle of restorative justice,” Baker said.  “To prevent corruption, we must never forget how callously it can be carried out, or how corrosive it is to justice and community trust.”

“I am very proud to have worked with Sen. Lisa Baker on these continued reforms and improvements to Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system,” Sen. John Yudichak (D-22) said. “This legislation is another step towards restoring integrity to our system and was especially important because children should never be shackled unless they pose a significant and substantial risk to public safety or courtroom proceedings.”

Baker added that approval of Senate Bill 817 is an important, additional, redemptive step for the people of Luzerne County and the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice System.