Local org calling for reforms to Wisconsin's youth justice system

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local organization is calling for reforms to Wisconsin's youth justice system. 

MICAH -- or "Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope" -- held a news conference Tuesday, June 18 to ask state legislators to change their current laws and send fewer children into adult court. 

Advocates say sending young people through juvenile court focuses on accountability and rehabilitation instead of punishment, which leads to fewer repeat offenders and can improve public safety. 

"Children who are served in the juvenile system have better results than one tried in the adult system, that is unequivocal," said Josh Rovner, with The Sentencing Project. 

MICAH says 46 states send people ages 17 and younger to juvenile court by default with the opportunity to later try them as an adult and it is time for Wisconsin to follow suit.